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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sara A. Sinclair, MPH and Huiyun Xiang, MD, MPH, PhD. Center for Injury Research and Policy, Columbus Children's Research Institute, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, 614-355-2769, SinclaiS@ccri.net

Background. One in every ten children worldwide has at least one serious disability. Researchers found that children with disabilities have a higher risk of nonfatal injury than children without disabilities, yet little research has been done analyzing injuries by type of disability.

Methods. Nationally representative data were used from the 1997-2003 National Health Interview Survey to analyze injuries among children with and without disabilities aged 0-17 years. Children with disabilities were identified by parental response to the question, “What conditions or health problems cause {child} limitations?” Sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed between children with and without disabilities that had a medically attended injury during the three months prior to interview. Prevalence and risk of injury by types of disability were calculated.

Results. Our sample included 190,725 children aged 0-17 years; 10,194 had a disability. Compared to children without disabilities, children with disabilities had a significantly higher percentage of injuries (3.8% vs. 2.5%, respectively; p < 0.001). For most categories of gender, age, parent's education, poverty status, region, and family size, children with disabilities had higher injury percentages than children without disabilities. Asthma/breathing problem, mental retardation, other developmental problem, ADD/ADHD, and other emotional/behavioral problem were significantly associated with injury status (p < 0.05). After controlling for all sociodemographic variables, children with ADD/ADHD (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.95-2.37) and with other emotional/behavioral problems (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.21-2.15) remained significantly associated with injury status.

Conclusions. Emotional/behavioral disabilities have a higher impact on injury risk than other types of disabilities in children.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Discuss the risk of nonfatal injury among children with and without disabilities.
• Identify the leading types of disability that are associated with increased risk of injury.

Keywords: Injury Risk, Children With Special Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation