Parental awareness, beliefs, and practices regarding shaken baby syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Year 2026, Volume: 6 Issue: 1 , 8 - 16 , 12.03.2026

Ünal Akça , Kevser Bacacı , Gülfer Akça

https://doi.org/10.66235/kumj.1901649

https://izlik.org/JA65XX35XZ

Abstract

Aims: Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a preventable but often unrecognized form of child abuse that can result in severe neurological injury or death. This study aimed to assess parental awareness, beliefs, and caregiving practices regarding SBS among parents of children aged 0–2 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 319 parents attending pediatric outpatient clinics at a university hospital from March to June 2024. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic factors, attitudes towards infant crying, and knowledge about the consequences of shaking. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Spearman correlation tests.

Results: Only 37.6% of parents had heard of SBS, with social media cited as the most common source (18.8%). Despite limited awareness about the dangers of shaking, 57.7% reported regularly using vigorous rocking to soothe crying infants, often unaware of associated risks. Awareness of SBS was positively correlated with parental education level (p<0.01) and negatively correlated with the number of children and dual-working parent households. Misconceptions about infant crying were common, with many believing crying could cause physical or psychological harm.

Conclusion: Awareness of SBS among parents remains inadequate despite its serious health consequences. Comprehensive education programs integrated into prenatal and postnatal care are urgently needed. Targeted interventions by healthcare professionals could significantly reduce the incidence of abusive head trauma.

Keywords

Shaken Baby Syndrome , infant crying , parental awareness , child abuse , SBS prevention

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee of Samsun University Date: 28/02/2024, Decision No: 2024/5/9.

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