Socio-economic distribution of environmental risk factors for childhood injury

Author(s)
Turner, Joseph V
Spallek, Melanie
Najman, Jake M
Bain, Christopher
Purdie, David M
Nixon, James
Scott, Debbie
McClure, Roderick
Publication Date
2006-12
Abstract
Objective: Childhood injury remains the single most important cause of mortality in children aged between 1-14 years in many countries. It has been proposed that lower socio-economic status (SES) and poorer housing contribute to potential hazards in the home environment. This study sought to establish whether the prevalence of observed hazards in and around the home was differentially distributed by SES, in order to identify opportunities for injury prevention. <br/> Methods: This study was a crosssectional, random sample survey of primary school children from 32 schools in Brisbane. Interviews and house audits were conducted between July 2000 and April 2003 to collect information on SES (income, employment and education) and previously identified household hazards. <br/> Results: There was evidence of a relationship between prevalence of household environmental hazards and household SES; however, the magnitude and direction of this relationship appeared to be hazard-specific. Household income was related to play equipment characteristics, with higher SES groups being more likely to be exposed to risk. All three SES indicators were associated with differences in the home safety characteristics, with the lower SES groups more likely to be exposed to risk. <br/> Conclusion: The differential distribution of environmental risk factors by SES of household may help explain the SES differential in the burden of injury and provides opportunities for focusing efforts to address the problem.
Citation
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 30(6), p. 514-518
ISSN
1753-6405
1326-0200
Pubmed ID
17209265
Link
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Title
Socio-economic distribution of environmental risk factors for childhood injury
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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