Principal investigator: Ruth A. Brenner, M.D., M.P.H.
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children in the United States. Children under the age of five and adolescent males are at particularly increased risk. Prevention of these tragic events requires an understanding of both risk and protective factors. Using a multi-site case-control design, this study seeks to determine the relation between a number of environmental and behavioral factors and the risk of drowning. Hypotheses address risk and protective factors for drowning among high-risk age groups. Parents or guardians of drowning victims and parents/guardians of age-matched controls are being interviewed. A short interview is also being conducted with adolescent controls, aged 14 to 19 years. Interviews include questions regarding both behavioral and environmental factors, such as the presence of a fence, past exposure to water, swimming ability, participation in swimming lessons, and a number of other factors that might influence the risk of drowning.
DESPR Collaborators
· Mark A. Klebanoff, M.D., M.P.H.
· Ann Trumble, Ph.D.
Selected Publications
Brenner RA, Saluja G, & Smith GS. (2003). Swimming lessons, swimming ability, and the risk of drowning. Inj Control Saf Promot, 10(4):211-216. [Abstract]
Brenner RA & the Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. (2003). Prevention of drowning in infants, children, and adolescents - Technical Report. Pediatrics, 112:440-445. [Abstract]
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