PM2051: Impact of Social Media on Safe Sleep

Background: Pediatricians and other health care professionals have a responsibility to counsel families on safe sleep practices. Parents and caregivers of infants and young children obtain health information from many sources, including social media and the internet. The usage and perceived utility of internet-based sources of information for safe sleep knowledge and practice has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to both determine how parents obtain information from social media, the internet, and healthcare providers, and assess how much confidence they place in each of these resources when deciding how to place their babies to sleep.

Methods: Caregivers with children under 12 months of age were surveyed while their child was inpatient at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. A total of 50 participants completed the survey. This study was approved by Maine Health institutional review board.

Results: Half of parents reported referring to social media or the internet when making decisions regarding sleep practices. Among those who reported using social media or the internet, 88% found the resources to be either helpful or very helpful. Social media and the internet did not replace discussion with healthcare professionals as 81% of participants discussed safe sleep with a healthcare professional and most found this helpful or very helpful.

Conclusion: Providers and PCP offices are talking to parents about safe sleep practices often, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These encounters continue to play an important role in sharing safe sleep knowledge. Social media and internet resources are being used frequently and may play a significant role in safe sleep practices. Healthcare providers should consider recommending internet resources which provide appropriate, evidence-based recommendations for safe sleep.