Article

OBJECTIVES: To study the association of childhood trauma and lifetime prevalence
of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among individuals who are homeless. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Three cities in British Columbia, Canada.
PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred individuals who are homeless and 19 years of age or
older in 2009. MEASUREMENTS: Traumatic brain injury was identified with National
Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) and childhood trauma
using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). The relationship
between childhood trauma and TBI was explored using multivariable logistic
regression approach, adjusting for age, gender, any psychiatric diagnosis
(anxiety disorder, mood disorder, psychosis), alcohol dependence, and substance
dependence. The effect of number of childhood trauma types on TBI was also
explored using multiple variables logistic regression approach adjusting for the
same covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of TBI was 63.6% and childhood
maltreatment was 87.7% among the sample population. During childhood of 487
participants included in the analysis, 57.7% experienced physical abuse, 62.8%
physical neglect, 45.8% sexual abuse, 62.4% emotional abuse, and 55.2% emotional
neglect. After adjustment, childhood trauma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.26;
95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-5.02), childhood physical abuse (aOR = 2.13;
95% CI, 1.19-3.87; n = 487), and childhood emotional abuse (aOR = 1.95; 95% CI,
1.09-3.51; n = 487) were significantly associated with history of TBI. After
adjustment, having 4 different types of childhood trauma (aOR = 2.81; 95% CI,
1.11-7.31) was significantly associated with higher odds of reporting TBI
history. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood trauma is significantly associated with lifetime
prevalence of TBI in homeless populations in British Columbia, Canada, indicating
an added level of vulnerability in this population. In addition, these findings
suggest a potential role for childhood trauma prevention strategies and services
mindful of the patients' history of trauma for this particularly vulnerable population.
- Maltraitance - enfant

Langue : ANGLAIS