Infant mortality and SIDs Flashcards
Risk factors and SIDs prevention
1
Q
What is the definition of infant mortality?
A
The probability of a child born in any specific year dying before reaching the age of one year.
2
Q
What is the definition of SIDs?
A
Sudden and unexplained death of an infant where no clear cause of death can be established.
3
Q
What are the risk factors?
A
- Demographic factors
- Biological factors
- Unlawful killings and criminal factors
- Environmental factors
- Socio-economic factors
- Maternal risk factors
4
Q
Demographic factors
A
- The UK has a high infant mortality ranking 22/50 of European countries with 4.19 deaths per 1000 births.
- Finland’s statistics are 2.26 deaths per 1000 births.
5
Q
Biological factors
A
- Undiagnosed conditions such as congenital abnormalities.
- Infection / sepsis
- Allergies
- Maternal mental health
6
Q
Unlawful killings and criminal factors
A
- Can be unknown variables
- Requires careful research
- Account for a very small proportion of deaths.
7
Q
Environmental factors
A
- Tobacco smoke
- Chemical poisoning from PVC-covered mattresses, bedding
- Sleeping environment such as toys in the cot
- Room temperature too hot or too cold
- sleeping in prone position
8
Q
Socio-economic factors
A
- More deaths occur among the disadvantaged and underprivileged
- Returning to work early and no choice but to leave infants in the care of others
- Social determinants of health.
- SIDs is more likely to occur in the most deprived families where the rates remain higher than the general population.
- Access to medical and nursing care.
9
Q
Maternal risk factors
A
- Teenage mothers
- Low educational level
10
Q
Reducing the risk of SIDs
A
- Vaccinations
- Education
- Smoking cessation
- Starter kits which include a baby box
- Promote breastfeeding
- Advise against smoking around the baby
- Put baby on their back when they sleep
