Using social media to improve safe sleep practices for preterm infants

Social Media and Risk-reduction Training for Preterm Infant Care Practices (SMART Preemie)

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10802495

This study is looking at how to help caregivers, especially non-Hispanic Black mothers of preterm infants, learn and stick to safe sleep practices to lower the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) by using social media training.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10802495 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on reducing the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) among preterm infants by implementing social media-based risk-reduction training for caregivers. It investigates adherence to safe sleep practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, particularly among non-Hispanic Black mothers who have been found to have lower adherence rates. The study employs a hybrid implementation-effectiveness approach, aiming to modify attitudes and behaviors related to infant care through targeted educational interventions. By analyzing data from a national prevalence study, the research seeks to identify effective strategies for promoting safe sleep practices among families with preterm infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include caregivers of preterm infants, particularly those born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not caregivers of preterm infants or those whose infants are born at or after 37 weeks of gestation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of SUID among preterm infants, ultimately saving lives and improving infant health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using educational interventions to improve safe sleep practices, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.