Objectives: Unintentional injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in preschool children. Unintentional injuries may result in mental and physical effects on children, which may last for a lifetime. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to unintentional injuries in preschool children diagnosed as having Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods: This study included 237 preschool children diagnosed with ADHD, aged 4–5 years, from a child psychiatry outpatient clinic. Children with a pervasive developmental disorder diagnosis were not included in the study. Fractures, soft tissue traumas leaving scar tissue, burning, poisoning, and all traumas that required hospitalization, were defined as unintentional injuries. Diagnoses of ADHD in the children were determined by child psychiatrists according to DSM-IV criteria. Behavioral problems of children were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 (CBCL).
Results: Of the preschool children with ADHD examined in this study, 19.8% (n=47) had unintentional injuries. Additionally, 17% (n=8) of the children, who experienced unintentional injuries had multiple unintentional injuries. While 68.1% of accidents occurred at home, 32.9% occurred outside of the home. The regression analysis conducted in this research revealed that male gender, higher CBCL externalizing scores, and separation of parents were associated with unintentional injuries in preschool children with ADHD.
Conclusions: The results of the present study emphasize the fact that in preschool children with ADHD, there may be signs heralding severe injuries, which may lead to morbidity.