Qualitative Examination of Adolescent Health-Related Quality of Life at 1 Year Postconcussion.
BACKGROUND
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can negatively influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescent patients. The effect of sport-related concussion on adolescent HRQOL remains unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the perceptions of adolescent student-athletes and their parents regarding the adolescents' HRQOL 1 year after sport-related concussion.


METHODS
Qualitative study.


METHODS
Secondary school.


METHODS
Seven adolescent student-athletes (age range, 12-16 years) who sustained a sport-related concussion at least 1 year (15.3 ± 2.8 months) before the study participated along with their primary care-giving parents (n = 7).


METHODS
Fourteen semistructured face-to-face interviews (7 adolescents, 7 parents) were completed. Interviews were transcribed and inductively analyzed by a team of 3 athletic trainers with 32 combined years of professional experience. Themes were negotiated through a consensual review process. Participant checks were completed to ensure trustworthiness of the results.


RESULTS
Four major themes emerged from the interviews: (1) significant effect of symptoms, (2) feelings of frustration, (3) influence on school attendance and activities, and (4) nature of interpersonal and team relationships. Participants indicated that the physical symptoms of the concussion substantially affected their emotional and academic function. The influence of the concussion on social interactions seemed to depend on the nature of interpersonal relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
Sport-related concussion can negatively influence physical and emotional function, academics, and interpersonal interactions as perceived by adolescent student-athletes and their parents. Education of parents and their children, school professionals, coaches, and teammates remains critical to effectively recognize and manage sport-related concussion. Secondary school districts also play a critical role in the concussion-management process by establishing and implementing accommodation policies that alleviate student concerns about falling behind while ensuring a healthy return to normal school routines. Furthermore, adolescent support systems must be considered throughout the recovery process.
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Cheree
C
Iadevaia
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Trevor
T
Roiger
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings.
Mary Beth
MB
Zwart
D000293:Adolescent; D000067697:Adolescent Health; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012574:Schools; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
concussions; postconcussion recovery; secondary schools