Child and Infant Mortality; Risk Factors Related to SUID in Marion County

Abstract

Between 2003- 2012, Indiana had 434 child deaths, including 53 Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) cases. Marion County has a high rate of SUID at 14%. The purpose of our research is to identify the risk factors for suffocation and to determine if SUID can be better prevented. In a pilot exploratory study, we analyzed five de-identified Marion County SUID cases to identify the asphyxia variables. The Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) cases allowed for thematic analysis. We used a meta-aggregation program NOTARI (Narrative, opinion, text assessment, and review instrument) to focus on categorical variables. Results identified asphyxia variables such as swaddling, blanket suffocation, wedging, parents bedding, soft bedding with pillows. Common maternal variables were obesity, hypertension, and STDs. Infant variables included breathing problems and cardio-respiratory pathologies. We found four cases with documented safe sleep education. The education that parents receive on safe sleep is not a guarantee that they will practice safe sleep with their infants. The education might not be effective enough to help them comprehend its importance; therefore nurses and other healthcare professionals need to consider changing the way they educate and advocate for parents. We suggest the introduction of more primary educational programs that will help the community understand safe sleep and SUID. This intervention would help decrease the incidence of sudden unexpected infant death.