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Sudden infant death syndrome: A crisis for parents and health professionals

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Abstract

A study of the social impact of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in 40 families in Ireland (40 mothers: 29 fathers and 78 siblings) revealed a profound influence on family function. Less than half the parents felt an acceptance of the loss at a mean interim of 2.9 years post SIDS. Family dysfunction was manifested by marital problems and prolonged grief reactions.

Interpersonal support through family, friends, relatives or neighbours appropriately assisted a third of families. Medical information when provided to parents contributed to a more normal grief process, but lack of postmortem information contributed to pathological or unresolved guilt in a third of parents and anger in nearly half the sample. Health professional and voluntary aftercare at community level was inconsistent in meeting parents’ need for information, advice and support.

A primary, preventive health care approach, based on a co-ordinated policy of aftercare to SIDS families, at hospital and community level is recommended to facilitate parents’ resolution of grief, and counteract the onset of adverse psychosocial effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eastern Health Board, Dublin 4

    Maria Powell

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  1. Maria Powell
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Additional information

This study formed part of a M.Soc.Sc. degree in University College, Dublin.

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Powell, M. Sudden infant death syndrome: A crisis for parents and health professionals. I.J.M.S. 160, 282–285 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02948413

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