Maternal intentions towards infant sleeping practices in Ireland.

Abstract

Mortality from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has reduced by 50%-85% globally. Despite improvements from 1990 to 2009, the Irish SIDS rate has plateaued. Reasons for this are unclear, but may be related to a reduced parental SIDS awareness. Our study aimed to assess intentions regarding infant sleeping practices in mothers in Ireland. A cross-sectional survey of post-partum mothers was performed in the Rotunda Hospital over a four month period. Mothers with a history of SIDS, miscarriage or neonatal admissions were excluded. Of 451 participants, unsafe sleeping positions were intended by 15.4%, reduced by Irish ethnicity [AOR=0.52, 95% CI=0.277-0.959, P=.036]. Safe sleep locations were intended by 66%, increased by Irish ethnicity [AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.617-4.191, P<.001], and reduced by young maternal age [AOR=0.15, 95% CI=0.03-0.713, P=.02]. Maternal smoking was more likely in mothers with lower educational level [AOR=3.51, 95% CI=1.169-10.56, P=.03]. Soft bedding use was intended by 34.8%, increased in younger mothers [AOR=2.28, 95% CI=1.04-4.98, P=.04]. Breastfeeding was intended by 72.2%, decreased by Irish ethnicity [AOR=0.14, 95% CI=0.067-0.271, P<.001], and low maternal education [AOR=0.22, 95% CI=0.117-0.406, P<.001]. Educational campaigns on safe sleep for infants in Ireland need to address modifiable SIDS risks factors, focusing on younger, non-Irish mothers, with lower educational attainment.