HEALTHY NATIVE BABIES PROJECT (HNBP)

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development

Investigators

Abstract

About 3,400 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation in a sleeping environment, and other deaths from unknown causes. Although the SUID rate has declined since 1990s, significant racial and ethnic differences continue. Average annual SUID rates (2015-2019) per 100,000 live births were highest among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) (216.0); almost triple the SUID rate among non-Hispanic White infants (84 per 100,000 live births). Data also indicate the SIDS rates for AI/AN infants have decreased more slowly than among non-Hispanic White, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic infants. Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in the use of safe infant sleep practices. Analysis of national survey data from 2016 revealed a lower prevalence of infants usually sleeping on a separate approved surface, and higher prevalence of use of soft objects or loose bedding in the sleeping environment among AI/AN mothers than other mothers from racial/ethnic groups. NICHD—working with representatives from Tribes in the Northern Tier and others who serve AI/AN audiences—launched the HNBP in 2003 to assist local programs in addressing safe infant sleep in AI/AN communities. The Project was preceded by multiple working group and focus group meetings involving AI/AN stakeholders and federal partners, as well as Tribal Elders and public health experts, to develop a comprehensive approach for how to best reach AI/AN audiences with safe sleep messages. The resulting approach focused on culturally appropriate outreach using community-tailored resources, resource stipends, training sessions, and technical assistance. More information on: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/training/native-communities/healthy-native-babies-project