•  
  •  
 

Keywords

infant mortality, Head Start, health disparity

Document Type

Research Studies

Abstract

IMR (11.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births) almost twice the rate observed in (6.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births). Objectives. The purpose of this project was to assess Head Start teachers’, teacher aides’, caregivers’, and family support workers’ perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, values and beliefs on topics (nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, safe sleep, smoking, stress, postpartum depression, and mental health) related to infant mortality prevention in a Mississippi Gulf Coast Head Start consortium. Methods. A 47-item questionnaire was developed that focused on areas associated with primary prevention of infant mortality. Results. Participants (n=82) ages were 25 to 44 years of age and African American (80.8%). Most were teachers (43%) and had Associate’s degrees (48.8%). Participant knowledge and comfort level with providing information to families varied widely across the content areas. Conclusion. Head Start workers provide direct support for families at risk for experiencing the loss of an infant within the first year of life. Evaluating perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, values and beliefs related to infant mortality prevention can inform the development of strategies, prevention programs, and continuing education opportunities for Head Start workers.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.