Tobacco Control Policies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Developed Nations

Health Econ. 2015 Aug;24(8):1042-8. doi: 10.1002/hec.3090. Epub 2014 Jul 18.

Abstract

This paper estimates the effects of higher cigarette prices and smoke-free policies on the prevalence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Using a panel of developed countries over a 20 year period, we find that higher cigarette prices are associated with reductions in the prevalence of SIDS. However, we find no evidence that smoke-free policies are associated with declines in SIDS.

Keywords: SIDS; cigarette prices; infant health; smoke-free regulations; smoking.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Developed Countries / statistics & numerical data*
  • Guanosine Diphosphate
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Smoke-Free Policy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Sudden Infant Death / prevention & control*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution
  • Guanosine Diphosphate