Factors Influencing the Racial Disparity in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated prone position to be a major risk factor for SIDS. Studies have consistently demonstrated an increased rate of prone positioning in African American infants, but very little is known about the reasons why African American parents use the prone position more often than other racial groups. Furthermore, no studies have taken advantage of the observed socioeconomic status associated variablility in SIDS and prone sleeping within the African American community. By examing within-group differences, it is possible to move beyond comparative racial descriptions (i.e. comparisions of white and African American) to identification of potentially modifiable factors that might respond to culturally acceptable interventions within a disadvantaged group.