La mort subite et inattendue du nourrisson : étude des freins limitant la prévention en lien avec le tabou

Objectives: This thesis aims to analyze the psychosocial factors and social representations surrounding SUID, with a particular focus on the social taboo associated with neonatal death. It also seeks to understand how this taboo affects the practices of healthcare professionals (midwives, pediatricians, general practitioners) and constitutes a barrier to effective prevention of this phenomenon in maternity wards.Methods: This qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with perinatal healthcare professionals. A thematic guide was developed to explore participants’ perceptions of death, their approach to the prevention of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death), and the obstacles they encounter in implementing public health recommendations. Knowledge about the risk factors for SUID and the preventive measures has been drawn from selected scientific sources to support the analysis.Results: The findings indicate that the taboo surrounding neonatal death is a major barrier to communication between healthcare professionals and parents. While SUID prevention recommendations are widely available, their implementation remains uneven, largely due to the fear of stressing the parents or making them feel guilty. Many professionals expressed reluctance to address this sensitive issue, fearing it would increase the parents' anxiety. However, some caregivers believe that better training and awareness could improve management and prevention efforts.Conclusion: SUID remains a significant public health issue, and the results of this study highlight the importance of breaking the taboo surrounding neonatal death to facilitate prevention. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in this process, but their involvement is largely influenced by how death is perceived in society and within medical institutions. A more open approach, combined with appropriate training, could better raise parental awareness of risks in a preventive, nonblaming manner. Finally, this study underscores the need to strengthen ...