title: Associations between illness perceptions, coping styles and outcome after mild traumatic brain injury: preliminary results from a cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to examine associations between injury perceptions, coping, distress and outcome after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study with repeated measures. This study reports results from the first of two study visits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 147) were recruited within 3 months following presentation to a concussion clinic or an emergency department setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical and demographic information was collected and participants completed a range of questionnaires (Revised Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, Brief COPE, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, Rivermead Follow-Up Questionnaire and HADS). Associations between independent variables and outcome were examined using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preliminary results suggested participants endorsing stronger beliefs about the injury identity (p < 0.05) and emotional impact (p < 0.01) had significantly greater odds of poor outcome at 3 months. There were also associations between higher educational attainment (p < 0.05), using active coping strategies (p < 0.06) and poor outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These variables appeared important determinants of outcome early after MTBI and may help identify those at risk for slow recovery. Current reassurance-based interventions may be improved by targeting such variables.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. deborah.snell@cdhb.govt.nz
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Snell
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Siegert
authors.forename: E Jean C
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hay-Smith
authors.forename: Lois J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Surgenor
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult