Behavioural Risk Factors for Adolescent Injuries–Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study
Abstract
Aims: Injuries, including dental trauma, continue to pose a global public health problem. The aetiology of injuries is multifactorial and includes behavioural factors that change over the life course. During adolescence, behaviours such as drinking alcohol and smoking/vaping become relevant. Such risk-taking behaviours may elevate the risk of injuries. This study aimed to explore the association between risk-taking behaviours and injury experience among UK adolescents. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis including 4,048 participants from the sixth sweep of the nationally representative UK Millenium Cohort Study, when cohort members were 14 years old. The main outcome was the number of medically attended injuries sustained since the last sweep (age 11), as reported by the parent. Risk-taking behaviours, namely having ever drunk alcohol and having ever smoked/vaped, were reported by the cohort members. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the associations. Models were adjusted for child characteristics, family factors and socioeconomic position. Results: The prevalence of dental trauma was very low (n=22, 0.5%), whilst the prevalence of overall injury was 1,470 (37.8%). Therefore, the analysis was conducted on overall injuries only. Having ever drunk alcohol was reported by 2,040 (54.7%) cohort members, whilst having ever smoked/vaped by 862 (23.7%). The prevalence of ever experiencing one such risk-taking behaviour (either smoking/vaping or…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 4,048 participants or records.
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