5.4 SIDS Age Distribution

Figure 3 (see main report) shows the age at which children died. The international characteristic pattern for SIDS is evident, with the majority (91%, n=30) of deaths occurring after the first four weeks of life.

5.5 SIDS Seasonal Distribution

Figure 4 (see main Report) illustrates the pattern of SIDS by calendar months for 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. Throughout the 1980's the international epidemiology of SIDS has shown a predominance of cases occurring in the coldest months of the year. A change in this pattern was first noted in 1993 with a similar number of SIDS cases occurring during summer and winter months. The distribution of cases in 1994 and 1995 is almost a reverse pattern to that experienced in 1992.

5.6 SIDS Sex Distribution

Consistent with SIDS pattern of recent years, more boys than girls died of SIDS, with a ratio of 1.4:1.

5.7 SIDS Geographic Distribution

Table 2, below, outlines the SIDS rate per Health Board area. These rates are based on the number of live births assigned to each Health Board area by the CSO in 2995. The highest SIDS rates are reported in the Southern, Eastern, and North-Eastern Board areas. Twice in the four year period 1992 - 1995, the Eastern and Southern Health Board Areas have reported the highest rates.