Conference Abstract Compendium Examples from the ... - CityMatCH

2009 CityMatCH Urban MCH Leadership Conferencecommunities and suggested the most effective community educator would be a person with whommothers could relate. The location where the message might be received was emphasized as a strongindicator of whether or not information would reach those who need it. Finally, the educational materialsthemselves need modifications. The “tone” of language utilized in educational materials was disturbing.Participants recommended materials be changed to reflect positive outcomes rather than negativeoutcomes. The cultural influences and perceptions that discussion of death and dying poses a threat or“bad luck” seems to be a practical explanation for ineffective educational tools and strategies.Transitioning to phrases such as saving babies and lives rather than using terms such as death and dyingpresents as a logical evolution for educational materials to follow.LIMITATIONSAt the close of each session, the researcher gave a short synopsis to clarify misunderstandings and answerparticipants’ questions about SIDS and crib death. However, there were only 57 participants in the entirestudy so, again, only a small group of women received accurate information.CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONSSIDS information is not fully understood and is not consistently distributed resulting in a lack ofknowledge among African American women extending the risk for high rates of SIDS events inMississippi.Because Mississippi has traditionally led the nation in SIDS deaths and overall infant mortality, it isimportant that actions be taken to reduce infant deaths and reduce disparities in birth outcomes.44