Authors: Saleh Sulaiman Alkhudhayri , Abdullah Mohammed Alshushan , Alhanof Fehade Alharbi , Mohammed abdulkarim alhunti , Mohammed Huthayl Alharbi , Tagreed Ehlayl Helal Almutairi

Abstract

Background: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a major cause of mortality among infants under 1 year of age. Despite advances in prevention, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, and caregiver practices continue to play a critical role in risk reduction. Mothers, as primary caregivers, are central to implementing safe sleep recommendations and minimizing preventable risks.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi mothers attending the pediatric emergency department of the maternity and children’s hospital in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between June and July 2025. Participants completed an online self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and knowledge and practices related to SIDS. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and associations between maternal factors and safe sleep practices were examined using chi-square tests. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 26.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).
Results: A total of 1,094 mothers participated. Of these, 39% were >35 years, and 45.5% held a university degree or higher. Approximately 57% had heard of SIDS, primarily through media and community sources. Overall, 56.7% demonstrated good knowledge, while 49.5% reported good preventive practices. Higher knowledge was associated with older age, higher education, and higher income, whereas better practices were more common among rural residents, mothers living in rented homes, and those with infants who had
congenital disorders.
Conclusion: Although many mothers were aware of SIDS, this knowledge did not consistently translate into safe sleep behaviors. Targeted, culturally tailored interventions are needed to strengthen both awareness and adherence to recommended preventive practices.

Keywords: Sudden infant death syndrome, knowledge, practice, mothers