Preschool Children at Risk for Repeat Injuries

Home-related injuries are a major problem in young children. This study investigated maternal and child characteristics related to repeat injuries in preschool children. A secondary data analysis was conducted on a national probability sample of African American and White mothers who participated in the longitudinal study of the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. Repeat injuries in the African group were associated with poor maternal health status, maternal use of alcohol, and Ipecac in the home. Significant factors for the White group were male child, unmarried mother, difficulty managing the child, maternal depression, poor maternal health status, and Ipecac in the home. Findings support the need to identify high-risk children and to provide interventions specially aimed at amelioration of those factors related to repeat injuries.