Caregiver Risk Factors Associated with Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths

Abstract

Background: Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) refers to the unanticipated death of a previously healthy infant younger than 1 year old, lacking an obvious cause before investigation. The leading cause of death for infants, SUID includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxia from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ASSB). ASSB deaths predominate, are largely preventable, and have been the focus of research, prevention programming and public health educational efforts targeting modifiable risk factors including hazards in the sleep environment. In contrast to environmental risk factors caregiver specific …