Study Examines Child Injury Rates

Children of immigrants have much lower injury rates than children of low-income, U.S.-born parents, according to a recent study in Health Psychology. Researchers examined a sample of about 5,000 5 year olds in 30 Head Start transition programs, 13 percent of whom had immigrant mothers. Twenty-seven percent of the children of U.S.-born mothers experienced an injury requiring medical attention within the previous year. Only 13 percent of the immigrant sample required medical attention. Although the study provides no definitive explanations for the findings, Schwebel said, "By examining groups such as immigrants, who appear to be protected from injuries, the research could lead to the development of injury prevention techniques for all children."