Authors: Khalid A Alzahrani , Abdulhakeem A Alghamdi , Rami F Alghamdi , Mesfer S Alzahrani , Abdullah A Alghamdi , Mohammad I Barnawi ,

Abstract

Background: Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), or Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), is a preventable cause of serious head injury in infants carrying high morbidity and mortality. Despite its severity, community awareness in Saudi Arabia remains limited, with no prior data from the Al-Baha region.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia from December 2023 to April 2024. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire (content validity index 0.91) was distributed via a Google Form link to residents aged 18–60 years. The platform’s mandatory e-mail verification prevented duplicate responses, and a regional residency question was included to filter non-residents at the analysis stage. Healthcare professionals and non-residents were excluded. The minimum required sample size was 384 participants. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and SBS awareness; statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. No multivariable analysis was performed.

Results: Of 425 respondents, 405 met inclusion criteria (50.6% male; 43.2% aged 18–29 years). The majority (84.7%) had never heard of SBS. Female sex (P = 0.028), older age, particularly the 40–49-year group (P = 0.006), postgraduate education (P = 0.040), and having children (P = 0.027) were each significantly associated with higher awareness. Social media was the primary information source among aware participants (58.1%), far exceeding healthcare professionals (19.4%). Key risk factors recognised included domestic violence (47.9%) and low parental education (44.4%). Nearly half of participants (48.6%) did not know the correct response to suspected SBS.

Conclusion: There is a substantial gap in SBS knowledge among the Al-Baha general population. Targeted educational interventions, particularly during the antenatal period and leveraging social media channels, are required.

Keywords: Shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, child maltreatment, parental awareness, cross-sectional study, Saudi Arabia.