Infant Head Injuries Rise During Recession

June 05, 2011

Infant Head Injuries Rise During Recession

In a shocking revelation, researchers at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, reported that the incidence of non-accidental head trauma in infants increases dramatically during times of economic recession.

A study at the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 came to a similar conclusion. In that study, which evaluated cases of non-accidental head trauma of infants and young children from 2004 through 2009, researchers found that twice as many abusive head trauma cases occurred per month in a recession period than during a comparable period before the recession.

The Cleveland research looked at non-accidental head trauma cases from December 2001 through June 2010 in children up to two years of age. The study found a 101 percent increase in reported cases during the months of a recession, from December 2007 to June 2010, compared to a non-recession period.

Researchers speculated that the increase might be the result of the stress parents experience over loss of a job or a home to foreclosure. Others felt that parents' moving in with others who might have little or no relationship with the children could be a cause. They noted that pediatric care providers should be more aware of the rise in traumatic head injury cases during times of economic stress and should screen these cases appropriately.

To prevent abuse at the hands of professional caregivers, parents should carefully screen the potential providers by asking about qualifications and how they screen their staff and by checking with state licensing agencies and the Better Business Bureau. Parents should drop into the care center whenever possible and observe the staff and the children. The design of the play space, available toys and rest or nap areas should be inspected, as well as the kitchen and bathroom facilities.

If a single person is being asked to care for the child, the parent should make sure that the provider has no alcohol or drug issues, domestic violence background or any type of violent criminal background. Parents should be aware of anyone else who might have contact with the child. Finally, the parent can observe his or her own child for signs of abuse, such as changes in behavior and habits or exhibiting fear of certain people or activities. These can be warning signs that the child is or might become the victim of physical abuse.

Article provided by Aitken Aitken & Cohn
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