118 - Perception of Pacifier Use among Caregivers of Children 0-1 Years of Age

Poster Number: 118
Publication Number: 118.410

Aashika Janwadkar, St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, NY, United States; Genefer Duran, CUNY School of Medicine, Corona, NY, United States; Deseree Irving T, CUNY, Elmont, NY, United States; Ronald Arevalo, St Barnabas Hospital Bronx NY, Bronx, NY, United States; Janine Adjo, SBH Health System, Bronx, NY, United States; David Rubin, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Rochelle, NY, United States

Background: Sucking is an important newborn reflex. Pacifier use, breastfeeding, or bottle feeding fulfills this innate instinct. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) approves pacifier use for soothing and calming effects, it recommends delaying its use until breastfeeding is well established. Although studies have shown protective effects of pacifiers against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, prolonged use of a pacifier can lead to complications like dental malocclusion, otitis media, and impairment of speech and language skills. The American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) states that the risks of pacifier use outweigh the benefits and the use of a pacifier should be discouraged by 6 months to 1 year of age. Guidelines for the use of pacifiers are not established and thus there is paucity of information regarding initiation, termination, benefits, and harmful effects of pacifiers among parents.

Objective: To investigate pacifier use among the caregivers of 0-1 year old infants.

Design/Methods: Descriptive study of parents or caregivers of children 0-1 year of age who completed a questionnaire focused on the use of pacifiers. Descriptive analysis and chi-square were calculated using SPSS version 23.

Results: 133 caregivers were interviewed by a physician. 88.7% of the caregivers were mothers. 68.4% of the caregivers identified themselves as Hispanic and 30.1% as African American. Caregivers reported that mean pacifier use was 16 months in a life time and 3.4 hours/day. 64.7% reported the most common use of the pacifier alone was to calm the baby. For the weaning method, 36% stated that a gradual decrease of pacifiers was useful whereas 32% stated that the abrupt removal of pacifiers was effective. 54.1% reported that their family and friends recommended pacifiers whereas only 8.3% reported that the information about pacifiers was relayed by medical professionals and day-care providers. Pacifier use was not significantly related to feeding method during the first two months of life. Misconceptions like pacifiers can cause choking or delays fontanelle closure were identified. Caregiver education level was not related to pacifier use.Conclusion(s): Pacifiers are routinely used in children and represent a common non-nutritive sucking device. This study helps to identify impressions and common misconceptions of pacifier use which may assist in the development of comprehensive guidelines.