title: Being a Woman With Acquired Brain Injury: Challenges and Implications for Practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of women with acquired brain injury (ABI) to gain greater insight into their general and sex- and gender-specific health and well-being concerns, and to identify areas for future research.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative pilot study using interpretive description methodology and a sex-and gender-based analysis of data collected through focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of survivors, and formal and informal caregivers of women with ABI (N=16).
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants identified significant barriers to achieving optimal health and well-being for women survivors of ABI, including a lack of knowledgeable professionals. We identify 3 interrelated themes: (1) experiences shaped by gender norms and roles; (2) experiences influenced by physiological phenomena, including perceived hormone imbalances; and (3) experiences surrounding interpersonal relationships and sexuality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Post-ABI care should include education about the influences of sex and gender on health and well-being. Acknowledging the impact of gendered roles, and the broader sociopolitical context of gender and disability, is important to develop appropriate services and supports after ABI. Incorporating effective communication strategies between patient and health care professional can also be a potent rehabilitation strategy.
authors: Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON.
authors: Halina L
authors: HL
authors: Haag
authors: Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors: Michiko
authors: M
authors: Caringal
authors: Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Sokoloff
authors: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors: Pia
authors: P
authors: Kontos
authors: Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Yoshida
authors: Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. Electronic address: angela.colantonio@utoronto.ca.
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Colantonio
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Brain injuries; Rehabilitation; Women