title: Use of neighborhood characteristics to improve prediction of psychosocial outcomes: a traumatic brain injury model systems investigation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether use of neighborhood characteristics derived from U.S. Census Bureau information contributes to the prediction of outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) beyond the variance accounted for by individual characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analysis of follow-up interviews conducted 1, 2, and 5 years postinjury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients 16 years of age and older with moderate or severe TBI enrolled in the TBIMS National Database (N=472).
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Satisfaction With Life Scale and Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individual characteristics alone accounted for 26% and 48% of variance in life satisfaction and participation, respectively; neighborhood characteristics alone accounted for 6% and 9% of variance, respectively. Models combining both types of characteristics included significant neighborhood and individual predictors for participation but not life satisfaction; however, for participation, prediction only improved beyond that found for individual characteristics alone by 1.2%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results did not support the hypotheses that characteristics of a person's neighborhood would increase outcome prediction beyond that which can be accomplished based on characteristics of the individual alone. Though neighborhood characteristics were statistically significant in prediction models, the improvement in percent of variance accounted for was negligible. Refinements in conceptualization and methodology are suggested for continued exploration of the contribution of neighborhood characteristics to TBI outcomes.
authors: Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, 480 Medical Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. corrigan.1@osu.edu
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Corrigan
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Bogner
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Pretz
authors: Dave
authors: D
authors: Mellick
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Kreider
authors: Gale G
authors: GG
authors: Whiteneck
authors: Cynthia
authors: C
authors: Harrison-Felix
authors: Marcel P
authors: MP
authors: Dijkers
authors: Allen W
authors: AW
authors: Heinemann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors