Have injury intervention studies addressed inequalities

A number of descriptive and epidemiological studies of child injury and inequalities are examined and the role of injury intervention studies in addressing inequalities is considered. While there is no consensus on what social deprivation means in different countries, marked differences in injury rate have been observed in many countries between deprived and affluentareas. Intervention studies from the USA, UK, Canada are described. Notably in a study in Toronto, the increase in cycle helmet use by children after legislation was introduced requiring this was greater in low income than in high income areas. Other factors that can reduce risk include locating schools away from busy roads, recognising the needs of all road users, and house design that incorporates safe outdoor play areas. For the covering abstract see ITRD E157496