PENCEGAHAN KEMATIAN MENGEJUT DALAM KALANGAN BAYI MELALUI PENYUSUAN EKSKLUSIF: TINJAUAN SAINTIFIK DAN PERSPEKTIF ISLAM

PREVENTING SUDDEN INFANT DEATH AMONG INFANTS THROUGH EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW AND ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Kematian Mengejut Bayi atau Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) merupakan antara penyebab utama kematian dalam kalangan bayi berusia bawah satu tahun dan lazimnya berlaku secara tiba-tiba semasa tidur tanpa tanda awal. Kajian ini merupakan sorotan literatur naratif dan konseptual yang bertujuan meneliti peranan penyusuan susu ibu secara eksklusif sebagai strategi pencegahan berkesan terhadap SIDS, berdasarkan analisis literatur saintifik berwasit serta sorotan terhadap perspektif Islam. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa kandungan bioaktif dalam susu ibu seperti Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, lysozyme dan kolostrum bertindak sebagai pelindung awal terhadap jangkitan respiratori dan gastrousus, iaitu dua faktor utama yang dikaitkan dengan gangguan fisiologi berkaitan SIDS. Selain itu, penyusuan eksklusif terbukti menyokong kestabilan sistem respiratori, neurologi dan mikrobiota usus (gut microbiota), yang memainkan peranan penting dalam mengekalkan keseimbangan fisiologi bayi semasa tidur. Secara mekanistik, perlindungan ini berlaku melalui pengurangan risiko jangkitan, pengawalan tindak balas keradangan, serta sokongan kepada kestabilan sistem pernafasan dan kawalan autonomi, yang secara kolektif menurunkan risiko gangguan fisiologi berkaitan SIDS. Dari perspektif Islam, penyusuan dianggap sebagai manifestasi kasih sayang, ibadah dan pelaksanaan prinsip ḥifẓ al-nafs yang menekankan pemeliharaan nyawa. Ajaran Islam yang menganjurkan tempoh penyusuan selama dua tahun dalam Surah al-Baqarah ayat 233 selari dengan saranan saintifik dan panduan kesihatan global. Dalam konteks ini, perspektif Islam melengkapi bukti saintifik melalui kerangka etika dan spiritual yang mengukuhkan motivasi serta penerimaan masyarakat terhadap amalan penyusuan eksklusif. Oleh itu, penyusuan eksklusif bukan sekadar memenuhi keperluan pemakanan, malah berfungsi sebagai mekanisme imunisasi pasif dan pendekatan kesihatan awam yang menyeluruh dalam mencegah kematian bayi secara tiba-tiba.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is among the leading causes of mortality in infants under one year of age and typically occurs unexpectedly during sleep without prior warning signs. This study is a narrative and conceptual literature review that aims to examine the role of exclusive breastfeeding as an effective preventive strategy against SIDS, based on an analysis of peer-reviewed scientific literature and a review of Islamic perspectives. The findings indicate that the bioactive components of breast milk, such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, lysozyme, and colostrum, function as early protective agents against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, which are two major contributors to the physiological disturbances associated with SIDS. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to support the stability of the respiratory and neurological systems, as well as the gut microbiota, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining infant physiological homeostasis during sleep. Mechanistically, this protection operates through a reduction in infection risk, modulation of inflammatory responses, and support for respiratory stability and autonomic control during sleep, which collectively reduce the likelihood of physiological disruptions linked to SIDS. From the Islamic perspective, breastfeeding is regarded as an expression of compassion, an act of worship, and an embodiment of the principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs (preservation of life). Islamic teachings that recommend a two-year breastfeeding period, as stated in Surah al-Baqarah (2:233), are consistent with contemporary scientific recommendations and global health guidelines. In this context, the Islamic perspective complements rather than replaces scientific evidence by providing an ethical and spiritual framework that strengthens motivation and societal acceptance of exclusive breastfeeding practices. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding not only fulfils infants’ nutritional needs but also serves as a form of passive immunisation and a comprehensive public health intervention in preventing sudden infant death.