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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kimberly Sidora-Arcoleo, MPH, Holly Brown, RN, MS, NPP, CS, and Robert Cole, PhD. University of Rochester School of Nursing, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box SON, Rochester, NY 14617, 585-275-7420, kimberly_arcoleo@urmc.rochester.edu

Purpose: Injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although several pathways to childhood injuries have been identified, exploration of maternal psychopathology has been limited to depression and substance abuse. The role of maternal psychiatric co-morbidities and impairment on childhood injuries has not been examined. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the relationship between maternal psychiatric symptoms and impairment on childhood injuries. Methods: Cross-sectional interview of a diverse sample of 278 mothers done at child age 3 and 4 years. Injury data obtained via medical record abstraction and maternal report from birth – age 4. The C-DIS was used to assess symptom counts and impairment for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. A categorical variable was constructed representing all possible constellations of symptoms. A dichotomous variable for any impairment was created. Results: After controlling for impairment, the incidence of child injuries was lowest among women with no symptoms. Incidence rates were slightly higher among women positive in one symptom category. Children of women who exhibited 2 co-morbid psychiatric symptom categories had the highest incidence of injuries. An unexplained finding was that incidence of child injuries among women exhibiting all 3 symptoms was almost as low as the “No Symptom” group. Conclusions: Findings indicate that maternal psychopathology, beyond depression and substance abuse, is predictive of injuries. Co-morbidity of psychiatric conditions leads to higher injury incidence. Future research should focus on the impact of maternal psychopathology on identified risk factors associated with unintentional injuries.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to 1)describe the impact of maternal depression, anxiety, and PTSD on childhood injuries;
• recognize the contribution to injury risk of impairment due to these symptoms, and
• discuss how co-morbidity of these conditions leads to higher injury incidence rates

Keywords: Injury Risk, Psychological Indicators

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered