Risk-compensation behavior in children: myth or reality?
OBJECTIVE
To assess risk compensation and risk homeostasis theory in children.


METHODS
We used a case-control study design in children aged 8 to 18 years who had an injury while participating in an activity that did or could entail the use of protective equipment (PE).


METHODS
Montreal Children's Hospital emergency department from December 1, 2001, to November 30, 2002.


METHODS
We interviewed consenting children and compared the reports of risk-taking behaviors in those who did and those who did not report using PE.


METHODS
Indicators of risk-taking behavior and injury severity.


RESULTS
A total of 674 children presented with injuries during the study, and 394 were interviewed (235 PE users and 159 nonusers). There was no evidence of an association between indicators of risk-taking behavior and PE use after adjusting for age, sex, personality, and type of activity and no relationship between injury severity and PE use.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study provide no support for hypotheses about risk homeostasis theory among children using PE. The validity of the theory appears highly doubtful for children in this age range.
Pless
I Barry
IB
Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. barry.pless@mcgill.ca
Magdalinos
Helen
H
Hagel
Brent
B
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011482:Protective Devices; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*