Abstract â–¡ 40

Introduction - From the mid-1980s studies have shown that certain child care practices (prone sleep position, bed-sharing, soft under-bedding, heavy dressing and lack of breast feeding) are associated with an increased risk of SIDS. SIDS incidence not only differs between countries but also between cultural groups within the same country. This study explores the hypothesis that many traditional societies would have used child care practices likely to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Methods -The Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) collection contains over 800,000 pages of information on over 400 past and present cultures throughout the world. An abbreviated cross-cultural CD contains information on 60 of these cultures. Using child care related keywords, 53 of these 60 societies contained information of interest. Data on sleeping conditions, social interaction, temperature regulation, feeding and smoking were abstracted onto a structured questionnaire.

Results - Data is summarised in the table. In addition rich qualitative data provided a picture of infants as the focus of attention, in close contact with and under the constant supervision of the mother, siblings and other relatives. Swaddling and restraint were commonly practised, often for extended periods of time and breast feeding for long periods was the predominant feeding pattern. (Table)

Table 1
Full size table

Conclusion - Although this study emphasises the diversity of child care, it is not possible to conclude that these mainly non-industrialised societies followed practices which would be expected to reduce the risk of SIDS. However recognising the cultural diversity of child care is likely to be important when programmes to "reduce the risk of SIDS" are developed.