Using online social networks to promote safe infant care practices
Support Via Online Social Networks to Promote Safe Infant Care Practices Toward Reducing Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality
This study is trying to see if private Facebook groups can help pregnant women and new parents follow safe sleep guidelines and improve breastfeeding by providing them with helpful information and support from others.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05767658 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance adherence to safe sleep recommendations and improve breastfeeding rates among pregnant women and new parents through private Facebook groups. Participants will receive evidence-based education via multimedia resources and engage with a supportive online community of peers. The focus is on reducing disparities in safe infant care practices, particularly among Black and White populations. The intervention targets pregnant women enrolled in WIC or those without health insurance, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women under 30 weeks gestation who are enrolled in WIC or lack health insurance and have access to Facebook.
Not a fit: Patients who are not planning to live with their infant after birth or have contraindications to breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve safe sleep practices and breastfeeding rates, leading to better health outcomes for infants.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using social media for health education, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently enrolled in WIC, or it not, then have either Medicaid or no health insurance * Must be English speaking * Must be pregnant and less than 30 weeks gestation * Must live in the United States * Must have regular access to Facebook and short message service (SMS) texting (mobile phone) Exclusion Criteria: * Not planning to live in same home as infant after birth. * Prenatal diagnosis expected to impact on infant care practices in a manner not compatible with study goals, including contraindications to feeding any breastmilk or supine infant sleep positioning. * Known or reported mental health or other issues that would preclude custody of the infant or being able to participate in the informed consent process. * Meets the definition of a minor according to applicable state law. * Participants who consent to participation in the study, must complete the Agile Onboarding process before they reach 30+0 weeks gestation. * Currently or previously received a TodaysBaby educational program (randomized to a TodaysBaby program through either the SMARTER, or SUPERSONIC study), either in their current or a previous pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel Y Moon, MD — University of Virginia School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Katherine Boguszewski, MA
- Email: Keb5un@uvahealth.org
- Phone: 434-243-9663
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.