title: Social deprivation as a risk factor for fractures in childhood.
abstract: Paediatric fractures are common and can cause significant morbidity. Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with an increased incidence of fractures in both adults and children, but little is known about the epidemiology of paediatric fractures. In this study we investigated the effect of social deprivation on the epidemiology of paediatric fractures. We compiled a prospective database of all fractures in children aged < 16 years presenting to the study centre. Demographics, type of fracture, mode of injury and postcode were recorded. Socioeconomic status quintiles were assigned for each child using the Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). We found a correlation between increasing deprivation and the incidence of fractures (r = 1.00, p < 0.001). In the most deprived group the incidence was 2420/100 000/yr, which diminished to 1775/100 000/yr in the least deprived group. The most deprived children were more likely to suffer a fracture as a result of a fall (odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, p < 0.0001), blunt trauma (OR = 1.5, p = 0.026) or a road traffic accident (OR = 2.7, p < 0.0001) than the least deprived. These findings have important implications for public health and preventative measures.
authors: The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 18/5 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PN, UK.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ramaesh
authors: The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 18/5 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PN, UK.
authors: N D
authors: ND
authors: Clement
authors: The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 18/5 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PN, UK.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Rennie
authors: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Court-Brown
authors: The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 18/5 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PN, UK.
authors: M S
authors: MS
authors: Gaston
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012923:Social Class; D012934:Social Isolation; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Epidemiology; Fractures; Paediatrics; Social deprivation