AN ANALYSIS OF SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME IN ABORIGINAL INFANTS

The purpose of this case-control study was to identify antenatal and p erinatal risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Abori ginal infants in Western Australia (WA). Cases were all Aboriginal inf ants born in WA from 1980 to 1990 inclusive and classified as dying fr om SIDS in WA. Controls consisted of a matched group and a random grou p both selected from liveborn Aboriginal infants born from 1980 to 199 0, Multivariate modelling showed that SIDS in Aboriginal infants was s trongly related to young maternal age (< 20 years, odds ratio (OR) = 2 .89), high parity (parity > 3, OR = 4.40) acid being small-for-gestati onal age (OR = 3.36) but was not associated with single marital status (OR = 0.95) or male sex (OR = 0.97). Although the study was based on routinely collected data, results do highlight some important groups f or SIDS prevention. To gain further knowledge in terms of SIDS in Abor iginal infants, there is an urgent need to collect information concern ing infant care practices in the Aboriginal community.