HIPAA Compliant
ISO 27001 CertifiedActively Recruiting
Led by University of Virginia · Updated on 2026-01-12
3000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
This research aims to improve adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations and increase the rates of starting and continuing partial and exclusive breastfeeding. It also seeks to reduce racial disparities between Black and White families in these infant care practices. The study focuses on pregnant women enrolled in WIC or with Medicaid or no health insurance who have access to Facebook and SMS texting. Participants will join one of several private Facebook groups from about 32 weeks of pregnancy until 6 months after birth. These groups will provide evidence-based education through videos and other multimedia supporting best practices in infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, or early brain development and parent-child interactions. The groups also offer an online community and social network of other pregnant WIC clients and new parents. During the study, researchers will assess infant sleep position, sleep location, soft bedding use, and breastmilk feeding between 2 and 6 months postpartum. They will also monitor usual sleep position and location and pacifier use. Participants will be involved in receiving educational content and engaging with the online community. The study is randomized with single masking and will continue until July 2026.
CONDITIONS
Support Via Online Social Networks to Promote Safe Infant Care Practices
K
Katherine Boguszewski, MA
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University of Virginia
Lead Sponsor
Boston University
Collaborating Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Safe Sleep (Facebook‑based education/support) | Breastfeeding (Facebook‑based education/support) | Safe Sleep + Breastfeeding (Facebook‑based education/support) | Early Brain Development & Parent‑Child (Facebook control content) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A private Facebook group offering evidence‑based education and peer support focused on infant safe sleep practices | A private Facebook group offering evidence‑based education and peer support focused on breastfeeding practices | A private Facebook group combining education and peer support on both safe sleep and breastfeeding | A private Facebook group providing education on early brain development and parent‑child relationships (active comparator content) |
| Role in trial | One of four study arms delivering behavioral education on safe sleep | One of four arms delivering behavioral education on breastfeeding | One of four arms combining safe sleep and breastfeeding education | Control arm providing alternate behavioral education on early brain development and parent‑child bonding |
| Primary use | To promote safe infant sleep practices by changing social norms through online education and peer support | To promote breastfeeding practices by changing social norms via online education and peer support | To promote both safe sleep and breastfeeding practices through combined online education and peer support | To provide general parenting education on early brain development and parent‑infant relationships |
| How it is delivered | Moderated private Facebook group with videos, multimedia, and peer interaction from ~32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum | Moderated private Facebook group with videos, multimedia, and peer interaction from ~32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum | Moderated private Facebook group combining content on safe sleep and breastfeeding from ~32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum | Moderated private Facebook group with early brain development and parent‑child relationship content from ~32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum |
| Evidence status | Evidence on social media groups suggests they may support behavior change by shifting norms, though trial results are pending | Evidence on social media groups suggests they may support behavior change by shifting norms, though trial results are pending | Combined education via social media may influence both safe sleep and breastfeeding norms, though empirical outcomes are not yet available | The active comparator arm offers different parenting content; no evidence on comparative impact for safe sleep or breastfeeding yet |
| Important limitations | Behavioral intervention delivered online may not reach parents without internet access, and self‑reported practices may be subject to bias | Online delivery may exclude those without reliable access and relies on self‑reported behaviors subject to bias | Same online delivery limitations apply to combined content and may dilute focus compared with single‑topic groups | May not influence safe sleep or breastfeeding behaviors since content focuses on other parenting topics |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - From about 32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum
Participants join a private Facebook group from approximately 32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum. The group provides evidence-based education through videos and other multimedia supporting infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, or early brain development and parent-child interactions, along with an online community of other pregnant WIC clients and new parents.
Regular online participation via Facebook group
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
4
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Rebecca F Carlin, Margaret G Parker, Ann L Kellams...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42021196/University of Virginia
Lead Sponsor
Boston University
Collaborating Sponsor
