Social deprivation
Unintentional injuries at all severities display a steep social gradient, with children from poorer households being at significantly greater risk of death or injury than those living in more affluent circumstances. The disparity creates inequalities in health and is particularly marked in relation to certain injuries. Comparison of the death rate among children whose parents have never worked and those occupying higher managerial and professional posts suggests that poorer children have a 21 times higher risk of pedestrian death, and a 38 times higher risk of dying in a house fire. Underlying factors such as poor quality housing, over-crowding, parental mental health and inadequate supervision have been identified as potential contributing factors.