RESUMO
The purpose of the study was to determine if an educational program for parents of newborns can be useful to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome in Puerto Rican families. Staff training was performed, parents observed an educational video & infant crying management strategies were discussed. Pre-post tests, follow up phone calls and medical chart reviews (53%) were conducted. A total of 65 newborns participated (62 mothers, 11 fathers). Parents reported that 50% had college studies, 78.7% lived together and 83.1% had government insurance. Pre-post tests demonstrated increase in knowledge (p < 0.05). Over 75% were contacted; 94% recalled learned strategies & 98% reported the infants had been well. Two infants were removed from home; no incidents of head trauma were reported. Almost half (44.5%) indicated taking care of the baby was difficult; managing the baby's crying was most difficult. All reported the program helped them. The program should be offered in other hospitals.