Incidence and outcomes of traumatic brain injury and substance abuse in a New Zealand prison population.
The present study investigated the rates and perceived effects of past traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use in a prison population. Responses to a questionnaire indicated that 86.4% of the 118 respondents had sustained a TBI, with 56.7% reporting more than one, and rates of illicit substance use were higher than the general population. Maori reported 12% more TBI and more substance use than non-Maori. All those with TBI reported difficulties with general memory and socialization on a problem rating scale, but there was no relationship between level of difficulty and severity of TBI, problems with interpersonal relationships, family, and finances were associated with greater substance use.
Barnfield
T V
TV
Child, Adolescent & Family Health Counselling Unit, Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand.
Leathem
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*