The continuing decline in SIDS mortality

Arch Dis Child. 2007 Jul;92(7):625-6. doi: 10.1136/adc.2007.116194. Epub 2007 Apr 3.

Abstract

The "Back to Sleep" campaign resulted in a dramatic decrease in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) worldwide. SIDS mortality has continued to decline (in New Zealand by 63% from 1993 to 2004), but the reason for this has not been explained. A postal survey found that the proportion of infants sleeping on their back has increased substantially (from 24.4% in 1992 to 72.3% in 2005), and this could account for the 39%-48% decrease in SIDS mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Care / methods
  • Infant Care / trends
  • Infant Mortality / trends
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Posture
  • Sleep
  • Sudden Infant Death / epidemiology*
  • Sudden Infant Death / prevention & control