Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Rates in the USA: a Complex Problem Mired in a Deeply Entangled Web

Abstract

In this review, we examine the slow decline in the US infant mortality rate by evaluating disparate racial and ethnic improvements in sudden unexpected infant death/sudden infant death syndrome rates. The US infant mortality rate continues to be higher in minority groups. Limited data associates specific genetic variations with increased risk of SIDS in African Americans. Public health campaigns to reduce SIDS risks have focused on vulnerable groups and used messaging that can be perceived as guilt/blame based. Qualitative studies have found that many Black mothers view SUIDS/SIDS as a random, unpreventable event. Consequently, cultural beliefs and traditions may override healthcare advice for safe infant sleeping. Analysis of SIDS rates in other countries shows that some behaviors considered SIDS risks are common in countries with low SIDS rates. Studies show that social forces perpetuating racial inequity contribute to disparate racial/ethnic improvements in mortality rates. Approaching healthcare campaigns for safe infant sleeping from a culturally sensitive perspective may improve individual risks, but large impacts on infant mortality and SUID/SIDS rates will require changes that decrease racial inequities in the US society.