HIGHER RATES OF SIDS PERSIST IN LOW-INCOME GROUPS

Objective: To examine how changes in the rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have varied in different income groups during a 25 yea r period. Methodology: Census data were obtained for five census perio ds (1971, 1976, 1981, 1986 and 1991) on the number of SIDS cases and i nevitable deaths. Census area units (CAU) were ranked according to the average income earned by adults over the age of 15 years for each cen sus year. The CAU were then divided into three equal income groups: lo w, middle and high. Results: The Fates of SIDS differed significantly between the three income groups for the 1991 census period with the lo w income SIDS rate being 4.6/1000 births compared to 1.2/1000 live bir ths for the higher income groups (Chi-squared = 18.3, P<0.0001). There was no association between rates of inevitable deaths and income grou ps. Conclusion: Currently, low income groups have three times the rate of SIDS compared to those in higher income groups. The reason for thi s is probably because the disadvantaged groups carry an overall higher burden of risk factors for SIDS. This must be kept in mind as further SIDS educational programmes are developed and implemented.