Unintentional injury among low-income 5-year-olds with chronic health conditions

Abstract

Because a range of chronic health conditions associated with increased injury risk, the causal mechanism behind relations between chronic illness and injury risk may not be disease-specific. Instead, factors related to having chronic medical conditions-not any particular condition-might contribute. Possible mediators include impaired family functioning, impaired peer relations, and familiarity with the health system/health-seeking behaviours.

Unintentional injuries among youth with developmental disabilities in the United States, 2006–2007

“…While speculative, this observation may reflect decreased mobility or decreased independence for youth with disabilities and, thus, fewer opportunities to become injured. Consistent with our study, Schwebel and Brezausek identified a decreased risk of injury among children with cerebral palsy (Schwebel & Brezausek, 2011). In contrast to the study by Sinclair and Xiang, in our study children with learning disabilities had higher injury rates than unaffected children.…”

Association of Gestational Age and Severe Neonatal Morbidity with Mortality in Early Childhood

“…Less predictably, preterm birth was also associated with mortality from injury and poisoning during infancy. Although not likely to be a direct cause of injury, preterm birth and early term birth are associated with increased susceptibility to various health conditions, including behavioural disorders, neurological conditions, impaired vision and hearing, and chronic illness, which themselves predispose to increased risk of injuries . Crucially, injuries are largely preventable, and targeted interventions, such as parental education programmes and improving home safety, and placing a greater emphasis on the care and safety of injury‐prone infants provide the opportunity to reduce unnecessary deaths in vulnerable infants.…”

Preterm birth does not increase the risk of traumatic dental injuries or unintentional injuries

“…A broad range of chronic health conditions in five‐year‐old children has been associated with increased risk of child injury . Characteristics such as anxiety and disruptive behaviour have also been associated with injury during childhood , including attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .…”