Assessing Mothers' Knowledge and Awareness toward Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Maternal and Child Health Clinics of the Ministry of Health in North West Bank – Palestine

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, often linked to preventable risk factors such as unsafe sleeping practices and exposure to smoke. Limited awareness and knowledge of these factors can contribute to higher incidences, especially in resource-constrained settings. This study aims to assess Palestinian mothers' knowledge and awareness of SIDS and explore potential cultural or regional barriers that influence adherence to preventive measures in Maternal and Child Health Clinics in the North West Bank. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted with 251 mothers using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as satisfactory (≥60%) or unsatisfactory (<60%), and statistical analyses were performed to identify demographic and environmental factors affecting awareness. Only 26.7% of mothers demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, with significant gaps in recognizing preventive measures such as supine sleeping (18.7%) and risk factors including soft bedding (30.3%). Mothers in non-smoking households and those without pregnancy complications showed higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Social media was the most common source of information, while healthcare professionals played a limited role. The findings underscore critical gaps in maternal knowledge about SIDS in the North West Bank, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns and active engagement of healthcare professionals. Culturally tailored interventions focusing on high-risk groups are essential to enhance awareness and reduce SIDS prevalence.