IS THE INCIDENCE OF SIDS INCREASING IN ASIA

The incidence of SIDS in western countries has decreased since the lat e 1980s after active SIDS prevention campaigns. By contrast, both Taiw an and Japan have reported an increase in incidences. In this report d ata from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Japan and Hong Ko ng are analysed. Regression coefficient and linearity of regression te sts were used to determine if there was any significant increase or de crease in post-neonatal mortality (PNNM), SIDS mortality and mortality among infants 1-5 months old. A statistically significant decrease in SIDS was recognized in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, whereas statistically significant increases were noted for Japan and Hong Kong. However in Japan and Hong Kong both the PNNM and mortality of infants between 1-5 months in age fell significantly, suggesting th at the increased SIDS rates could be due to a change in diagnostic lab elling. Further study will be required to determine whether this incre ase in the incidence of SIDS is genuine or only an artifact.