Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the existing Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory
factor structure models to determine which model provides the best overall fit
for postconcussion symptoms and determine which model is useful across different
samples (eg, with and without mild traumatic brain injury [TBI] history).
SETTING: N/A. PARTICIPANTS: A Florida National Guard sample (N = 3098) and a
national Department of Veterans Affairs sample (N = 48,175). DESIGN:
Retrospective structural equation modeling was used to compare 16 alternative
factor structure models. First, these 16 possible models were examined separately
in both samples. Then, to determine whether the same factor structures applied
across subsamples within these samples, the models were compared for those
deployed and those not deployed in the Florida National Guard sample and between
those with TBI confirmed on clinical evaluation and those who were determined not
to have sustained a TBI within the Department of Veterans Affairs sample.
MAIN MEASURES: Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory.
RESULTS: A 4-factor model--vestibular, somatic, cognitive, and affective--had the best overall fit,
after elimination of 2 items (ie, hearing problems and appetite disturbance), and
was most applicable across samples. CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend the
findings of Meterko et al to other samples. Because findings were consistent
across sample and subsamples, the current findings are applicable to both Department of Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense postdeployment medical
evaluation settings.

Langue : ANGLAIS