Which population groups are at risk and why?
This section will focus on core epidemiological issues that take account of fixed risk factors (such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as behaviour). The wider determinants of health (such as housing, transport and environment) are also considered.
Age
- Under 5s are most at risk of home-based injuries, particularly from falls, burns, and accidental poisoning. Over 70% of injuries in this age group occur at home, with head trauma being the most common injury type
- Children aged 6–10 are increasingly exposed to risks outside the home, including road traffic injuries and playground accidents.
- Adolescents (11–15 and 15–24) face a different risk profile, with a higher incidence of interpersonal violence, sports injuries, and road traffic collisions. In one study, 21.9% of adolescent injuries were due to penetrating violence
Gender
Boys are consistently at higher risk of injury than girls across all age groups. This is attributed to higher levels of physical activity, risk-taking behaviours, and exposure to outdoor environments
Socioeconomic status
Children from deprived areas are significantly more likely to experience injuries. Factors include:
- Poor housing conditions (e.g. lack of safety equipment, overcrowding)
- Limited access to safe play areas
- Higher exposure to traffic and environmental hazards
- National data shows that children in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be admitted to hospital for injury than those in the least deprived
Disability and Medical Conditions
Children with learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism, ADHD), or physical impairments are at increased risk due to:
- Reduced hazard awareness
- Impaired mobility or coordination
- Communication difficulties that may delay help-seeking
Vulnerable Children
Looked After Children (LAC) and Children in Need (CIN) are disproportionately affected by injury:
- 26% of injured children in a London trauma study had safeguarding concerns
- These children may experience inconsistent supervision, unstable housing, or exposure to violence.
Children in care also have higher rates of hospital admissions and lower immunisation coverage, which may compound injury risks
Wider determinants of health
- Housing: Unsafe or overcrowded homes increase the risk of falls, burns, and poisoning.
- Transport: Children in urban areas with high traffic density are more likely to be injured as pedestrians or cyclists.
- Environment: Lack of green space and safe recreational areas limits opportunities for safe play and increases exposure to hazards. 8, 9