Epidemiology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) for Kentucky infants born in 1990: maternal, prenatal, and perinatal risk factors

J Ky Med Assoc. 1995 Jul;93(7):286-90.

Abstract

Using state vital statistics data for infants born to Kentucky residents in 1990, a nonconcurrent prospective study design was used to evaluate various risk factors for infant mortality from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For comparison, an identical analysis was performed for infant mortality from all causes combined, including SIDS. The following factors were considered as potential risks: infant low birthweight, maternal age at delivery, maternal education, maternal cigarette and alcohol use during pregnancy, prenatal care, maternal race, method of delivery, premature birth, sex of the child, and multiple (twin or more) birth. A categorical analysis was used to calculate an adjusted relative risk for each potentially significant (p < 0.10) risk factor. Potentially significant adjusted relative risks for SIDS are maternal age under 20 (1.73, p < or = 0.08), maternal years of education (0.80 for one year, p < 0.01), maternal cigarette use (1.92 for one pack per day, p < 0.01), Cesarean delivery (2.09, p < or = 0.01), and premature birth (1.76, p < or = 0.08). Potentially significant adjusted relative risks for infant death from all causes are low birthweight (5.93, p < 0.01), maternal age over 35 (1.54, p < or = 0.05), maternal years of education (0.94 for one year, p < or = 0.02), marginal prenatal care (1.47, p < or = 0.01), premature birth (1.47, p < 0.01), and female sex (0.82, p < or = 0.05). Given this data, there may be unique risk factors for SIDS. The implications of these findings are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Birth Weight
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Kentucky / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Maternal Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sudden Infant Death / epidemiology*