Factors influencing self-rated health in traffic-related mild traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To report self-rated health and factors influencing health after traffic-related mild traumatic brain injury.


METHODS
Population-based, cross-sectional study of traffic-related mild traumatic brain injury occurring between 1 December 1997 and 31 November 1999 in Saskatchewan, Canada.


METHODS
Subjects were 929 adults making a personal injury claim after a traffic collision. Inclusion criteria were a head blow with certain or possible loss of consciousness or post-traumatic amnesia, or a possible head blow with certain loss of consciousness/post-traumatic amnesia. Excluded were those with loss of consciousness > 30 min and those hospitalized longer than 2 days.


METHODS
Data were self-reported through insurance application forms completed within 6 weeks of the injury. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with self-reported general health.


RESULTS
In contrast to the 74.5% of subjects reporting excellent or very good health prior to injury, 70.8% reported having poor/fair health after the injury. Post-crash depressive symptoms, sleep problems, greater neck/low back pain and low expectations for recovery were associated with poorer post-injury health.


CONCLUSIONS
Those with traffic-related mild traumatic brain injury reported a decline in self-perceived general health. We identified potentially modifiable factors associated with poor post-injury health and suggested that these factors should be considered during early clinical intervention.
Zhang
Sharon
S
Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. sharon.zhang@albertahealthservices.ca
Carroll
Linda J
LJ
Cassidy
J David
JD
Paniak
Chris
C
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult