Associations between interpersonal violence victimisation and concussions among US college students

Burden and trends of facial fractures in China and the United States based on GBD 2021 analysis

Facial fractures significantly impair functions related to respiration, vision, and speech, while also posing long-term cosmetic and psychological challenges. Regional disparities in the burden of facial fractures reflect variations in risk factors, healthcare accessibility, and preventive measures. This study investigates recent causes, trends, and the burden of facial fractures in China and the United States. Utilizing the Global Burden of Disease 2021 dataset, the study analyzed epidemiological data on facial fractures in China and the United States, focusing on age-standardized incidence rates and years lived with disability from 2010 to 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated to assess trends, while age- and sex-specific analyses provided further insights into population-specific patterns. Additionally, the primary etiologies of facial fractures in both countries were examined. Between 2010 and 2021, the incidence of facial fractures increased in both China and the United States, with a more pronounced rise in China (EAPC: 1.56%) compared to the United States (EAPC: 0.38%). In 2021, the highest incidence in China was observed among males aged 30-34 years, while in the United States, it was among males aged 20-24 years. Males consistently exhibited higher rates than females in both countries. Falls and road injuries were the leading causes of facial fractures in China, whereas falls and mechanical forces were predominant in the United States. The rising incidence of facial fractures in China and the United States highlights the need for targeted preventive strategies tailored to each country's specific risk factors and demographic patterns. These findings underscore the importance of addressing facial fractures as a global public health priority, with implications for policy-making and resource allocation to reduce the burden of these injuries worldwide.

Examining the Biopsychosocial Factors Related to Lifetime History of Concussion in Children and Youth

This study investigated the prevalence of lifetime concussions, related psychosocial problems, and post-concussion recovery rates in a clinical sample of children and youth. Participants were 24,186 children and youth (M = 11.9 years, SD = 3.5) who completed an interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Assessment at mental health agencies across Ontario, Canada. In addition to the expected physiological correlates, results found concussions to be more prevalent in children and youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive behaviour disorders, mood disorders, and those involved in self-harm, harm to others, destructive aggression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The results of this study add to our understanding of children and youth's experiences with concussions. Clinical implications and recommendations are discussed to maximize the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions related to concussion recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injury History Among Individuals Using Mental Health and Addictions Services: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been increasingly linked in population research to psychiatric problems as well as substance use and related harms, suggesting that individuals with TBI may also present more frequently to mental health and addictions (MHA) services. Little is known, however, about TBI history among MHA service users. The objectives of this review were to understand (i) the prevalence of TBI history among MHA service users; (ii) how TBI history is identified in MHA service settings; and (iii) predictors or outcomes of TBI that have been reported in MHA service users.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA Scoping Review Extension guidelines. A search for relevant literature was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Embase as well as various gray literature sources.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight relevant studies were identified. TBI was defined and operationalized heterogeneously between studies, and TBI history prevalence rates ranged considerably among the study samples. The included studies used varied methods to identify TBI history in MHA settings, such as clinical chart audits, single-item questions, or structured questionnaires (eg, Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire or Ohio State University TBI Identification Method). TBI history was most consistently associated with indicators of more severe substance use problems and mental health symptoms as well as increased aggression or risk to others. Studies reported less consistent findings regarding the relationship of TBI to physical health, cognitive impairment, functioning, risk to self, and type of psychiatric diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Screening for TBI history in MHA settings may contribute important information for risk assessment and care planning. However, to be clinically useful, assessment of TBI history will require consistent operationalization of TBI as well as use of validated screening methods.