Bedsharing Perspectives among Latino Caregivers.

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we sought to explain how Latino family caregivers make decisions about where infants sleep using grounded theory methodology.

Setting: Latino family caregivers were recruited from the Midwest using purposive theoretical sampling via social media and word-of-mouth.

Methods: Participants were interviewed virtually via Zoom. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Open coding, selective coding, and theoretical coding were used to create themes and categories.

Results: Forty-five Latino family caregivers participated. The basic social process of Latino family infant sleep decision-making was Caregiver Vigilance. There were three outcomes of the process (placement in a crib, intentional bedsharing, or unintentional bedsharing). Six factors (pediatrician recommendations, family caregivers' beliefs about infant sleeping behaviors, grandmother's advice, postpartum fatigue, breastfeeding, and bonding) influenced each outcome in patterned ways.

Conclusion: Safe infant sleep decisions among caregivers in the Latino community are complex. Our findings can help nurses assess the needs of the Latino population and address intentional and unintentional bedsharing.