Sleeping position and sudden infant death syndrome in Norway 1967-91. Issue 6 (June 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irgens, L M; Markestad, T; Baste, V; Schreuder, P; Skjaerven, R; Oyen, N
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 72:Issue 6(1995)
• Page Start: 478
• Page End: 482
• Publication Date: 1995-06
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.72.6.478
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To investigate, in a population based national study, the association between sleeping position of infants and the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). DESIGN--A retrospective survey and registry based ecological study. A questionnaire based surveillance of sleeping position was obtained in a random sample (n = 34, 799) and surveillance of SIDS was based on all infants born in Norway 1967-91, surviving the perinatal period. Variables studied from the questionnaire were usual sleeping position (placed), breast feeding at 3 months, and maternal smoking in pregnancy, and from the Medical Birth Registry maternal age, birth order, and birth weight. RESULTS--Proportion of infants sleeping prone increased from 1970 (7.4%) to 1989 (49.1%) and dropped in 1990 (26.8%) and 1991 (28.3%). Occurrence of SIDS increased from 1970 (1.1/1000) to 1989 (2.0) before dropping in 1990 and 1991 (1.1). IMPLICATION AND RELEVANCE OF RESULTS--A cause effect relationship between prone sleeping and SIDS as suggested in previous studies is supported by the present; and so far only, national study of infants' sleeping position.