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The psychosocial characteristics of children with fractures
R T Loder1, S Warschausky, E M Schwartz
1Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Insights
Children with fractures show significant social and behavioral challenges, including conduct issues and hyperactivity. These findings suggest potential risk factors that can inform prevention strategies for pediatric fractures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric psychology
- Childhood behavioral science
Background:
- Pediatric fractures are common injuries.
- Understanding associated psychosocial factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychosocial characteristics of children with fractures.
- To identify potential risk factors for pediatric fractures.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed parents of 52 children with fractures.
- Utilized validated questionnaires: McMaster Family Assessment Device, Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire, Achenback Child Behavior Checklist.
- Assessed injury circumstances, family functioning, home environment, and child behavior.
Main Results:
- Parental perception of family functioning was within the average range.
- Children with fractures displayed significant social competence problems.
- Children exhibited high rates of behavioral difficulties, including conduct disorder features, psychosomatic complaints, and impulsivity/hyperactivity.
Conclusions:
- Children with fractures present with notable behavioral and social competence issues.
- These psychosocial variables may represent unique risk factors for pediatric fractures.
- Findings can guide the development of targeted prevention strategies to reduce fracture incidence.
Abstract:
We examined the psychosocial characteristics of 52 children with fractures. The parents completed questionnaires regarding injury circumstances, family functioning, home environment, and child behavior. Established psychosocial questionnaires were used: the McMaster Family Assessment Device (family environment), the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire, and Achenback Child Behavior Checklist (child behavior). Parent's perception of family functioning fell within the average range. The children exhibited a significantly high degree of social competence problems as well as behavioral difficulties. These behavioral difficulties included conduct disorder features, psychosomatic complaints, and impulsive/hyperactive behavior. To the extent that these variables constitute risk factors unique to children with fractures, prevention strategies can be designed to decrease the incidence of pediatric fractures.