The Mediating Role of Hyperactivity and Inattention on Sex Differences in Paediatric Injury Risk

Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Article

Issue

3

Abstract

Background Extensive research suggests that risk of injury is higher among young boys versus young girls. The present study examined a mediational model to identify mechanisms that may explain differences in injury risk. Methods Reports of child behaviour and two indices of injury risk among 114 children in early childhood were obtained from parents in community-based paediatric medical centres. Results Regression analyses and post-hoc examination of indirect effects supported a mediation model in which the relationship between child sex and child injury risk was explained by hyperactivity and inattention. Conclusions Interventions that promote child well-being by targeting constellations of externalizing behaviour problems may simultaneously decrease paediatric injury risk. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Keywords

Child behaviour, Injury, Mediation

Published Version

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