Abstract
BackgroundNon-supine infant sleep position is an important modifiable risk factor for sudden unexpected death in infancy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of supine sleep position and associated factors among 3-month-old infants from a birth cohort in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil.MethodsThe present study evaluated longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Study outcome was supine infant sleep position, defined as the appropriate position, among 3-month-old children. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and health characteristics collected at birth and at the 3-month follow-up were investigated as possible associated factors. The prevalence of each associated factor was investigated, and crude and hierarchical adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression.ResultsAmong the 4108 infants assessed in this study, 2274 (55.4%) slept in supine position at 3 months and only 66 (1.6%) in prone position. Maternal white skin color, higher family income and maternal schooling, advanced maternal age, maternal cohabiting with a partner, receiving counseling from health care professionals and non-bed-sharing were associated with higher prevalence of infants sleeping in supine position at 3 months. All these variables remained associated in our hierarchical adjusted analyses except maternal cohabitation with a partner. Participants with white mothers were more likely to sleep in supine position (PR: 1.23; 95%CI: 0.75–0.89) compared to participants with black mothers. Those belonging to the richest quintile were more likely to sleep in supine position (PR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.35–1.65) compared to those who belong to the poorest. Mothers aged 31–36 years were more likely to choose supine sleep position (PR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.42–1.92) compared to mothers younger than 19 years.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study showed the influence of maternal age, socioeconomic status, and counseling on infant sleep habits as predictors of choice of infant sleep position in a Brazilian population. It is recommended to implement informative campaigns and public policies to at-risk population and to improve recommendations from health care professionals.
Highlights
Non-supine infant sleep position is an important modifiable risk factor for sudden unexpected death in infancy
The mean prevalence of children who usually slept in supine position was 55.4% (95%confidence interval (CI): 53.8–56.9)
Children from families belonging to the richest quintile were 49% (PR: 1.49; 95% confidence intervals (95%CI): 1.35–1.65) more likely to sleep in supine position compared to those in the poorest quintile
Summary
Non-supine infant sleep position is an important modifiable risk factor for sudden unexpected death in infancy. In the early 1990s, non-supine infant sleep position was identified as an important modifiable risk factor for SUDI [5]. A study with retrospective data collected in the city of Pelotas (Brazil) from 2006 to 2013 found a mortality coefficient by SIDS of 1.5 per thousand live births in this period (37 cases). Among these deaths, only 19% of the mothers reported adoption of supine sleep position [9]. Vital statistics in Brazil are not accurate and have shown a high number of ill-defined causes of death [12], which means that the number of deaths by SUDI may be higher than the official statistics report
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
