Drivers of decision-making regarding infant sleep practices among mothers with opioid use disorder.

Abstract

To understand the perspectives and perceived facilitators of and barriers to following safe infant sleeping practices among mothers with opioid use disorder (OUD). Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, we conducted qualitative interviews with mothers with OUD regarding infant sleep practices. We created codes and generated themes, concluding data collection upon achieving thematic saturation. Twenty-three mothers with infants 1-7 months of age were interviewed from 08/2020 to 10/2021. Mothers chose sleeping practices they perceived made their infants safer, more comfortable, and minimized infant withdrawal symptoms. Mothers in residential treatment facilities were influenced by facility infant sleep rules. Hospital sleep modeling and varied advice by providers, friends and family influenced maternal decisions. Mothers reported factors unique to their experience with OUD that influenced their decisions about infant sleep that should be considered when developing tailored interventions to promote safe infant sleep in this population.