Adolescent involvement in anti-social and delinquent behaviours: Predicting future injury risk

The purpose of this study was to challenge the broadly based focus of injury prevention strategies towards concern with the needs of young adolescents who engage in multiple anti-social and delinquent behaviours. Five hundred and forty 13–14-year olds reported on injuries and truancy, violence, illegal road behaviours, drug, and alcohol use. Engagement in these behaviours was found to contribute to the likelihood of an injury. Those engaging in the most anti-social and delinquent behaviours were around five times more likely to report medically-treated injuries in the past three months. Their likelihood of future injury was 1.8 times more likely when they were followed up three months later. The engagement in multiple delinquent and illegal behaviours thus significantly increased the likelihood of injury and identifies a particularly vulnerable group. The findings also suggest that reaching these young people represents a key target for change strategies in injury prevention programs.

► Engagement in delinquent behaviours contributed to the likelihood of an injury. ► Greater engagement related to a five-fold risk of medically-treated injuries. ► After 3 months injury was 1.8 times more likely for engagers in delinquent behaviour. ► Findings suggest a ‘problem lifestyle’ leads to harm.