Questionnaire study to Japanese SIDS families

To clarify the situation of the incidence of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Japan to provide the basis for health administration training.

The questionnaire study about the circumstances and responses in discovering the death of a SIDS infant was carried out by the SIDS Family Association Japan. The bereaved parents were asked to reply as to whether or not the SIDS was the cause of their children's death, carried out a cross tabulation and a chi2 test of significance.

We found differences between SIDS and non-SIDS infants in respect to the place of death, the health condition up to death, the sleeping position at the time of death and room sharing. With regards to the responses on the death of a child, we found differences between the SIDS and non-SIDS infants in respect to whom the infant was in contact with at the time of death and especially with the responses of the paramedics. Other differences found were in respect to whether or not considerations were given to the family in informing them about procedures and treatment, in informing them of the procedures and medical information or to the family's feelings in advising an autopsy and whether or not a sufficient explanation was provided before the autopsy.

To lighten the trauma suffered by a SIDS family, it is necessary that we pay adequate attention to giving consideration to the family through general informed consent including giving thoughtful consideration in advising an autopsy.