ANYIEL BIONG
Queensland researchers are calling for mums of infants to participate in a new SIDS study starting next week.
The study, by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast, hopes to decrease the death rates of Queensland babies dying of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
Chief project investigator USC Professor of Nursing Jeanine Young said Queensland has one of the highest rates of SIDS compared to other states and territories.
“97% of infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly are deaths that are associated with potentially preventable risk factors,” Prof. Jeanine Young said.
Researchers will use the study information to create more effective public health campaigns and safe sleeping messages.
Despite two public health campaigns in the last ten years for SIDS and safe sleeping there has only been a slight change in sudden infant deaths.
The study will focus on whether young mums are taking on the public health message.
“Since the 2002 SIDS public health campaign there have been no evaluations on how well parents take up public health recommendations relating to safe sleeping,” Professor Young said.
Red Nose is a group that aims to eradicate SIDS.
The charity’s General Manager of Marketing, Communications and Income Development, Yvonne Amos said the study will help in understanding how public messages are translating to new mums.
“The outcome will be stronger messages from Red Nose and more information on how babies are dying and that will hopefully lead to saving more babies lives hopefully reducing deaths from 28 (yearly) to zero. It would be a good outcome,” Ms Amos said.
Red Nose is encouraging families with infants born in April and May this year to participate in the study.
For more information on SIDS you can visit http://www.rednose.com.au