AN AUDIT OF THE SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME PREVENTION PROGRAM IN THE AUCKLAND REGION

Aim. An audit of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention programme in the Auckland region. Methods. 107 health professionals working in antenatal classes, postnatal wards, domiciliary midwifery and the Plunket Society were interviewed. Results. Maternal smoking and infant sleeping position were considered to be the most important risk factors for SIDS; lack of breast feeding and cosleeping were rated less important. Many other putative risk factors were also mentioned. There was no difference in the evaluation of the relative importance of risk factors for SIDS by health professionals working in south Auckland, where SIDS mortality has declined only slightly, compared with the evaluation by health professionals in the rest of Auckland, where SIDS mortality has declined considerably. The most important source of information for health professionals was the pamphlet ''Cot death: you can reduce the risks'', which is designed for parents. Conclusion, Differences in the SIDS prevention message by health professionals do not explain differences in SIDS mortality within Auckland. Health professionals were knowledgeable about risk factors for SIDS, but knowledge could be improved further by regular updates. New resource material including posters and pamphlets for families is also required