Knowledge, perceptions and practices of parents and community members on sudden unexpected infant death in Central Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID24219085
AuthorsMary Nyantaro (0000-0002-7533-0683), Nambusi Kyegombe, James Carpenter (0000-0002-2544-8093), Richard Muhumuza (0000-0002-9931-7600), Sarah Nakamanya (0009-0000-4507-0860), Nabaggala Georgina, Joseph Mugisha (0000-0002-0199-1518), Freddie Mukasa Kibengo, Andrew Abaasa (0000-0002-6770-5588)
Year2026
Volume10
Pages100853
Publication date2026-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSSM - Qualitative Research in Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2667-3215 • E-ISSN: 2667-3215
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.ssmqr.2026.100853
OpenAlexW7215109517
LanguageEN
References cited47

Background Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) remains poorly documented in Uganda. We explored parental and community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to SUID in Uganda. Methods: In 2024, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study in Central Uganda involving 41 in-depth interviews (IDI) with mothers (8 cases, 8 controls), fathers (5 cases, 5 controls), and 15 female advisors selected by mothers. Cases were parents who had lost an infant to SUID in the preceding three years; controls were peers of the same gender and location without such experience. We also held six focus group discussions (FGD) with community women and men. Interviews followed a semi-structured guide, were audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed using NVivo 14. Results Knowledge and understanding of SUID: Most participants were aware of infant deaths during sleep but few recognized the term SUID. 2) Perceptions of causes and prevention: Perceived risk factors included suffocation, maternal overlay, inadequate parental care, non-attendance of antenatal care, smoking, alcohol use, and cultural explanations such as witchcraft and extra-marital affairs. 3) Infant care and sleeping practices Side and prone sleeping positions were common and believed to be safe. Bed-sharing was preferred for breastfeeding convenience and monitoring. Advice on infant care mainly came from experienced family members and health workers. Conclusion Knowledge of SUID in Uganda is limited, and culturally shaped unsafe sleep practices and misconceptions about risk factors persist. Culturally sensitive, community-based SUID awareness initiatives especially on safe sleep are urgently needed, along with strengthened health worker capacity to deliver SUID prevention messages during routine maternal and child health education.

community perceptions · Infant mortality · parental attitudes · parental knowledge · sudden unexpected infant death · Uganda · Global Maternal and Child Health · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Neuroscience of respiration and sleep

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