Survivors of brain injury through the eyes of the public: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
It is known that knowledge and attitudes are important in determining whether society stigmatize and discriminate against specific groups. However, there has been no systematic review of the literature measuring these factors towards acquired brain injury (ABI).


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the literature measuring the public's (1) knowledge of ABI and (2) attitudes towards survivors.


METHODS
Four databases were searched between December 2011 and March 2012. Studies meeting the selection criteria were included and a manual search of studies' reference lists undertaken to identify any remaining. The quality of studies was assessed using an adapted tool.


RESULTS
Twenty studies were reviewed, with quality assessment ratings ranging from 47.83-91.3%. The public lacked awareness of some post-injury symptoms. Misconceptions concerning recovery, memory difficulties and vulnerability to second injuries were also commonly endorsed. The public demonstrated more negative attitudes towards survivors of ABI than those with other injuries, particularly if they deemed the individual responsible for their ABI.


CONCLUSIONS
Survivors of ABI are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination. It is therefore essential that Government and media campaigns prioritize educating the public about ABI and promote the inclusion of survivors.
Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, The University of Hull , Hull , UK.
Andrea
A
Ralph
Catherine
C
Derbyshire
D001364:Awareness; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011639:Public Opinion; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D057545:Social Stigma; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*