OBSERVATIONS ON ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES IN SIDS MORTALITY IN NEW-ZEALAND

Introduction: Within New Zealand the SIDS mortality rate is higher in Maori than in non-Maori, predominantly European. Aims: This paper addr esses two questions (1) How should ethnicity be defined, by biological or cultural criteria? (2) Why is the SIDS rate higher in Maori, becau se of different risk factors or because of a higher prevalence of comm on risk factors? Methods: A nationwide case-control study. Results: Th e majority of mothers with some Maori blood (as reported on the infant s birth registration form) report they are Maori (as recorded in the o bstetric records or interview). Risk factors for SIDS are similar in t he various ethnic groups in New Zealand. Conclusions: Using a biologic al definition underestimates the number of Maori infants compared to t he cultural definition. Differences in SIDS mortality appear to be exp lained by differences in prevalence of known risk factors, the most im portant of which, prone sleeping position, maternal smoking, lack of b reast feeding and bed sharing, are culturally determined rather than b iologically.