SIDS-related knowledge and infant care practices among Maori mothers

Maori have high SIDS rates and relevant information is needed to craft appropriate prevention strategies. The aim of the study was to determine what Maori mothers know about SIDS prevention, and to determine their SIDS-related child care practices.

Maori mothers who gave birth in the Counties Manukau District Health Board area were surveyed about their SIDS related knowledge, and infant care practices and their reasons for using and their concerns about these practices. Results were compared with a similar 2005 survey of a largely European sample.

Knowledge of Maori mothers about SIDS prevention was much lower than for European mothers. More Maori infants slept prone and Maori mothers stopped breastfeeding significantly earlier. Although co-sleeping rates were similar, bedsharing increased to 65% for some part of the night. In addition, more than half of the Maori mothers had smoked in pregnancy and 21% of them were sharing a bed with their infant. Potentially unsafe soft objects such as rolled blankets or pillows were used by a third of mothers to help maintain the sleep position.

Maori mothers have a poorer knowledge of SIDS prevention practices. The high rate of maternal smoking, the early cessation of breastfeeding, and co-sleeping where there was smoking in pregnancy were also areas of concern. Appropriate health promotion measures need to be developed for the high-risk Maori community.