Article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a major cause of morbidity among U.S.
servicemembers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even mild TBI (mTBI) can
result in cognitive impairments that can affect the community reintegration of
Veterans postdeployment.
The purpose of this study was to explore the needs and
concerns of combat Veterans with mTBI to provide support for an mTBI-specific
conceptual model (Conceptual Model in the Context of mTBI) derived from Ferrans
et al.'s health-related quality of life model and the TBI literature. Content
analysis of qualitative interview data was conducted using a thematic matrix with
a predetermined code list. Data saturation was achieved after interviews with
eight male Veterans. Six key categories and predominant themes emerged: cognitive
impairments, physical symptoms, emotions and behaviors, instrumental activities
of daily living, interpersonal interactions, and community reintegration.
Findings provide preliminary support for a new, context-specific conceptual model
that has the potential to identify areas for future interventions to enhance
community reintegration of combat Veterans with mTBI.

Langue : ANGLAIS