Factors associated with perceived quality of life many years after traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To explore factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) 8 to 24 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy-five individuals who sustained moderate to severe TBI who were discharged from a rehabilitation hospital participated in this study. We interviewed consenting participants up to 24 years after injury.


METHODS
Self-rated Quality of Life Scale.


RESULTS
Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that perceived mental health, self-rated health, gender (women rating QOL higher), participation in work and leisure, and the availability of emotional support were significantly associated with QOL (P <.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of designing ongoing support programs to further reintegrate TBI survivors several years after injury is discussed.
Steadman-Pare
D
D
Department of Occupational Therapy, Grey-Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
Colantonio
A
A
Ratcliff
G
G
Chase
S
S
Vernich
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D014145:Trail Making Test