Abstrakt: |
Aim: Mortality from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has reduced by 50%‐85% globally. Despite improvements from 1990 to 2009, the Irish SIDS rate has plateaued. Reasons for this are unclear, but may be related to a reduced parental SIDS awareness. Our study aimed to assess intentions regarding infant sleeping practices in mothers in Ireland. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of post‐partum mothers was performed in the Rotunda Hospital over a four month period. Mothers with a history of SIDS, miscarriage or neonatal admissions were excluded. Results: Of 451 participants, unsafe sleeping positions were intended by 15.4%, reduced by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.277‐0.959, P =.036]. Safe sleep locations were intended by 66%, increased by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.617‐4.191, P <.001], and reduced by young maternal age [AOR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03‐0.713, P =.02]. Maternal smoking was more likely in mothers with lower educational level [AOR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.169‐10.56, P =.03]. Soft bedding use was intended by 34.8%, increased in younger mothers [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.04‐4.98, P =.04]. Breastfeeding was intended by 72.2%, decreased by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.067‐0.271, P <.001], and low maternal education [AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.117‐0.406, P <.001]. Conclusion: Educational campaigns on safe sleep for infants in Ireland need to address modifiable SIDS risks factors, focusing on younger, non‐Irish mothers, with lower educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |