Injury risk among children of low-income U.S.-born and immigrant mothers

Abstract

The number of immigrants in the United States is at an all-time high, yet psychologists have largely ignored the domain of immigrant health. This article considers 1 aspect of immigrant health, risk for pediatric injury. A sample of over 5,000 5-year-old children from impoverished families was studied; approximately 13% had immigrant mothers. Children of immigrants had a significantly lower rate of injury in the prior year. This was particularly true of non-White children of immigrants. Three possible mediators for this finding-assistance with parenting, parenting style, and health care accessibility-were considered, but none explained the difference. The need for further research on the topic and implications of results for injury prevention are discussed. Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association.