The relationship between socioeconomic status and SIDS

The relationship between socioeconomic status and SIDS

There is evidence that lower socio-economic status (SES) is associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. 

SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, which cannot be explained after a thorough investigation.

Studies have found that infants from disadvantaged or low-income families are at increased risk of SIDS compared to infants from more affluent families.

 The risk of SIDS is also higher for infants born to mothers who have lower levels of education or who are single parents.

There are several potential explanations for the relationship between lower SES and an increased risk of SIDS. 

Lower SES may be associated with factors that increase the risk of SIDS, such as smoking, poor nutrition, or inadequate prenatal care. 

In addition, lower SES may be associated with less access to safe sleeping environments and other resources that can reduce the risk of SIDS.

It is important to note that while lower SES is a risk factor for SIDS, the overall risk of SIDS is low, and most infants from disadvantaged or low-income families will not develop SIDS. 

However, it is important for pregnant women and families from disadvantaged backgrounds to be aware of the measures they can take to reduce the risk of SIDS and other serious health problems for their infants, such as placing the infant on their back to sleep and using a firm, flat surface for sleep.