Educational materials increase knowledge and behaviors important for preventing shaken bab...( (Vancouver BC; Seattle WA; Ogden UT ...),Health

(Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; Ogden, UT March 2, 2009) Two new studies in Canada and the United States show that educational materials aimed at preventing shaken baby syndrome increased knowledge of new mothers about infant crying, which is the number one trigger for people abusing babies by shaking them. The materials also influenced mothers to warn babysitters about shaken baby syndrome and advise them on strategies for coping when infants cry inconsolably. The study of mothers in Seattle, Washington is published in the March 2nd issue of Pediatrics and the study of mothers in Vancouver, British Columbia is also published March 2nd in an early online issue of The Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Each year in British Columbia, between five to 15 children will suffer a traumatic brain injury from shaking and require hospitalization. One in four will die as a result of their injuries. Of those who survive, approximately 80 per cent will suffer brain injury, blindness and deafness, fractures, paralysis, cognitive and learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy.

"Changing knowledge is a critical first step in changing behaviour, and this is important public health work because the results show it's possible to change people's ideas about crying." says Dr. Ronald Barr, the lead author of both studies. Dr. Barr is head of community child health at the Child & Family Research Institute and professor of pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Barr is a Canada Research Chair in Community Child Health Research.

"Most new parents aren't aware that it's normal to feel frustrated by infant crying and that some newborns will cry for up to five hours a day," says Dr. Barr.

Both studies were randomized controlled trials testing "The Period of PUPLE Crying" educational program, which consisted of a 12-minute educational DVD and an 11-page information booklet. Mothers completed a d
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