Article

The purpose of this study was to assess disability and the physical and
mental health status 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI), using the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a
conceptual model for understanding TBI disability. METHODS: A prospective study
of 85 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI (aged 16-55 years) due to injury
occurring from May 2005 to May 2007 and hospitalised at the Trauma Referral
Centre in Eastern Norway were included. The severity of structural brain damage
and overall trauma were used as indices of body structure impairments. Activity
limitations were measured by the Functional Independence Measure, and
participation restrictions were assessed via the Community Integration
Questionnaire. Physical and mental health dimensions as reported on the Medical
Outcome Survey Short-Form were chosen as outcome measures. RESULTS: Roughly one
quarter of the patients reported disability requiring personal assistance. One
third [corrected] had major problems with social integration, and 42% were not
working. Nearly half of the patients reported poor physical health, and 37%
reported poor mental health. Regression models, including demographics,
impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions, accounted for
50% of the variance in physical health and 35% of the variance in mental health.
More severe impairments, fewer activity limitations and fewer participation
restrictions equated to better overall health.
CONCLUSIONS: The results
demonstrated that a significant proportion of TBI survivors face substantial
disability and impaired overall health 1 year after injury. To optimise health
and well-being outcomes, clinicians need to ensure that health needs of patients
with less severe TBI are identified and treated during the post-acute period.

Langue : ANGLAIS