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. 2023 May 24:11:1161886.
doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1161886. eCollection 2023.

A new technology for pacifier weaning: a thematic analysis

Ahmed Al Hariri  1
Affiliations

A new technology for pacifier weaning: a thematic analysis

Ahmed Al Hariri. Front Pediatr. .

Abstract

Introduction: Babies and toddlers often become accustomed to using baby pacifiers. However, pacifiers may harm children's health and lead to various problems, such as less frequent breastfeeding, shorter breastfeeding duration, dental deformities, tooth decay, recurrent acute otitis media, sleep disorders, and the potential for accidents. This study aims to introduce new technology that may prevent babies from becoming used to a pacifier (patent titled "Prevents Getting Used to Pacifier Baby, Number SA10609, Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property"). This study used a descriptive qualitative design.

Methods: The participants included three pediatricians, three psychologists, three dentists, three family doctors, and three mothers of babies and toddlers, with a mean age of 42.6 years old (SD = 9.51). Semi-structured interviews were used, and thematic analysis was conducted to generate a thematic tree.

Results and discussion: The thematic analysis resulted in three themes: (1) the disadvantages of pacifier use, (2) the introduction of new technology for the patent, and (3) the expectations for this technology. The results showed that a pacifier might negatively affect the health of babies and toddlers. However, the new technology may prevent children from becoming used to pacifiers and protect them from any possible physical or mental issues.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; new technology; pacifier weaning; patent; thematic analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The parts of the patent: (1) waterproof base and cover, (2) two-volt lithium battery, (3) electric shocker, (4) pacifier nipple, and (5) electric connections.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A model of the patents shows (A) the patent's technology in the back of the pacifier and (B) the patent from the side.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Thematic map of themes and subthemes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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