Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the third leading cause of US infant deaths (deaths 0-364 days) and is the overall leading cause of postneonatal deaths (28-364 days). This study analyses race/ethnic-specific mortality trends in SIDS deaths prior to and following the national “Back-to-Sleep” campaign. Methods: Data from the U.S. Linked Birth/Infant Death Cohort files, 1990-91 and 1996-97, were used to calculate SIDS mortality rates, percent change, and rate ratios among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian/Pacific Islander infants. Results: Between 1990-91 and 1996-97, SIDS deaths decreased 43.7% (9,966 to 5607) while the overall SIDS rate declined 40% (1.23 to .74 deaths per 1,000 live births). Rates declined the most among Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders (50% from 0.8 to 0.4) followed by American Indians (41% from 2.9 to 1.7). Rates declined the least among non-Hispanic Blacks (33% from 2.9 to 1.7). During 1996-97, the rate ratio between Non-Hispanic Blacks and Non-Hispanic Whites was 2.1, up from 1.9 during 1990-91 while the ratio between American Indians and Non-Hispanics Whites was 2.5, down from 2.6 during 1990-91. Conclusion: SIDS death rates have fallen substantially in the U.S.; however, black and American Indian infants continue to experience the highest rates. To eliminate SIDS mortality differences by race/ethnicity, a better understanding of the factors associated with the differential diffusion and adoption of risk reducing behaviors and the effective integration of available intervention strategies into minority communities is needed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe SIDS mortality changes by race/ethnicity. 2.Identify modifiable risk factors for SIDS and changes in these factors over time. 3.Understand intervention strategies to reduce deaths from SIDS.
Keywords: SIDS, Infant Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.