Married people less likely to die from unintentional injuries: study

Houston – People who are divorced or single may be more likely to die in a preventable incident than married people, according to a new study from Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Using data from the National Health Interview Survey, researchers analyzed the social relationships and socio-economic status of more than 1.3 million adults involved in preventable incidents between 1986 and 2006. Compared to their married counterparts, divorced and single people were about twice as likely to die from the most preventable causes, which include poisoning and smoke inhalation. For less preventable causes, such as transportation incidents, the likelihood of death was equal among married and divorced/single people.

As for why marriage may be protective, researchers noted in a press release that a spouse may discourage unsafe and unhealthy behaviors and provide immediate help in an emergency.

The study is scheduled to be published in the January edition of the journal Social Science Research.