The Role of Proximal Maternal Supervision in Children's Risk for Injury in a Low-Income Sample

Abstract

Research indicates that caregiver supervision protects children from unintentional injuries. However, most studies have used upper-income samples, which are at a relatively low risk for injury. Objective This study examined the role of proximal maternal supervision in children's injury occurrence and severity among low-income families. Methods We used a case crossover design and collected data about injury and control conditions for children aged 1-5 in 50 low-income families. Results Higher levels of mothers' proximity to children predicted lower likelihood of injury occurrence. When controlling for child activity level, there was a trend for visual supervision to predict injury occurrence. The number of children in the home was also associated with lower supervision and higher prior injury frequency. Discussion These findings provide evidence for the important role of maternal supervision in preventing unintentional injuries among low-income, at-risk children. Interventions that help at-risk caregivers provide closer supervision for their children are needed.