The impact of age on outcome 2 years after traumatic brain injury: Case control study

BACKGROUND

Age is associated with outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there are mixed findings across outcome domains and most studies lack controls.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examined the association between age group (15-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, and 65 years or more) and outcomes 2 years after TBI in independence in daily activities, driving, public transportation use, employment, leisure activities, social integration, relationships and emotional functioning, relative to healthy controls. It was hypothesized that older individuals with TBI would have significantly poorer outcomes than controls in all domains except anxiety and depression, for which it was expected they would show better outcomes. Global functional outcome (measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended) was also examined, and we hypothesized that older adults would have poorer outcomes than younger adults.

METHODS

Participants were 1897 individuals with TBI (mean, SD age 36.7, 17.7 years) who completed measures 2 years post-injury and 110 healthy controls (age 38.3, 17.5 years).

RESULTS

Compared to controls, individuals with TBI were less independent in most activities of daily living, participated less in leisure activities and employment, and were more socially isolated, anxious and depressed (p < 0.001). Those who were older in age were disproportionately less likely to be independent in light domestic activities, shopping and driving; and participated less in occupational activities relative to controls. Functional outcome was significantly higher in the youngest age group than in all older age groups (p < 0.001), but the younger groups were more likely to report being socially isolated (p < 0.001), depressed (p = 0.005) and anxious (p = 0.02), and less likely to be married or in a relationship (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A greater focus is needed on addressing psychosocial issues in younger individuals with TBI, whereas those who are older may require more intensive therapy to maximise independence in activities of daily living and return to employment.

"It's Not Only the Injury but Also the Kind of Head." Factors Influencing Outcome After Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

Given the high variability in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes and relative lack of examination of the influence of noninjury factors on outcome, this study aimed to examine factors associated with functional outcome at 1 and 2 years after moderate to severe TBI, including both preinjury and injury-related factors.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Inpatient hospital recruitment with outpatient follow-up at 1 and 2 years post injury.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with moderate to severe TBI were recruited prospectively into a Longitudinal Head Injury Outcome Study. Of the eligible 3253 individuals who were eligible, 1899 participants consented to the study (N=1899).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Functional outcome was measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E).

RESULTS

1476 participants (73.6% males) and 1365 participants (73% males) completed the GOS-E at 1 and 2 years post injury. They had a mean age at injury of 40 years and mean duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) of 26 days. Good recovery, representing return to previous activities on the GOS-E (score 7-8), was present in 31% of participants at 1 year post injury and 33.5% at 2 years post injury. When predictor variables were entered into regression together, good outcome was significantly associated with not being from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and not having preinjury mental health or alcohol treatment, shorter PTA duration, and absence of limb injuries at both 1 and 2 years; higher education was also a significant predictor at 1 year post injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Alongside consideration of injury severity, consideration of preinjury factors is important to inform prognostication and rehabilitation planning.

Co-designing for behavioural change: understanding barriers and enablers to addressing sexuality after traumatic brain injury and mapping intervention strategies in a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation unit

Background Persistent changes in sexuality often follow traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, health professionals remain reticent about discussing sexuality and have reported barriers including uncertainties around whose role it is and limited educational and institutional support. This study employed a co-design and implementation process, aiming to promote team-wide behavioural change, whereby health professionals at a TBI rehabilitation unit would attempt to address sexuality with patients routinely. Methods Focus group sessions with multidisciplinary health professionals were conducted to identify barriers and enablers to behavioural change, identify areas for development, and co-design intervention options. Implementation deliverables were then finalised and provided to the team. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to map factors influencing behaviours and the Behaviour Change Wheel was used to map interventions. Thematic analysis was used to further analyse barrier themes. Results Thirty-five barriers and eight enablers falling within 12 theoretical domains to behavioural change were identified. Thematic analysis revealed highly correlated barriers in initiating and sustaining change. Nine co-designed intervention options aligned with five intervention functions of the Behaviour Change Wheel, resulting in six final implementation deliverables. Conclusions Barriers were highly interrelated, influencing the approach to implementation deliverables. Simultaneously addressing multiple barriers could potentially alleviate discomfort associated with discussing sexuality. Concerns around initiating change were related to confidence in achieving sustainable changes. Achieving change requires organisational and team-level environmental restructuring and enablement. The next step involves evaluating the effectiveness of the co-design and implementation process in driving behavioural change and potential impacts on patient satisfaction and sexuality outcomes.

Experience of adapted cognitive behaviour therapy to address sexuality problems after traumatic brain injury: A qualitative study

Although sexuality has been shown to be negatively impacted in up to half of individuals who sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI), few studies have sought to evaluate the efficacy of targeted interventions. Gaining insight into the participant experience of undergoing treatment for post-TBI sexuality changes is a crucial aspect of intervention evaluation. This study aimed to investigate participants with TBI experience of undergoing eight sessions of a novel CBT intervention designed to help both couples and singles improve sexual wellbeing after TBI. Eight participants (50% male) with moderate-severe TBI, and a mean age of 46.38-years (SD = 13.54), completed a qualitative interview. A six-phase reflexive thematic analysis approach was used. Despite variability in participant characteristics, the findings suggested that participants with TBI experience reflected that of a positive treatment journey characterized by high levels of enjoyment and satisfaction. Key themes identified included contextual factors that preceded treatment, factors that facilitated treatment engagement, outcomes derived from the treatment experience, and feedback provided on reflection. The results not only provide an enriched understanding of the client experience of the intervention but provide corroborating preliminary evidence of efficacy for this novel CBT intervention in addressing complex and persistent sexuality problems after TBI.

The experience of traumatic brain injury in a culturally and linguistically diverse sample in Australia

PURPOSE

Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience poorer outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI), including poorer quality of life. The reasons for these poorer outcomes are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to qualitatively investigate the experience of injury, rehabilitation, and recovery amongst individuals from a CALD background following TBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, and qualitatively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that: (a) the cognitive and behavioural consequences of TBI were accompanied by stigma and loss of independence; (b) participants held many beliefs related to their TBI, ranging from bad luck to acceptance. Participants' personal values and beliefs provided strength and resilience, with many viewing the injury as a positive event in their lives; (c) participants were appreciative of the high standard of care they received in hospital and rehabilitation, although communication barriers were experienced; (d) many participants identified with Australian culture, and few believed their cultural background negatively impacted their experience of TBI; (e) external support, particularly from family, was considered central to recovery.

CONCLUSION

These findings offer insight into the challenges CALD individuals face and factors that may facilitate their recovery and improve functional outcomes.

A qualitative study on the attitudes and approaches of Australian clinicians in addressing sexuality after acquired brain injury

PURPOSE

Studies indicate that up to 50% of survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) experience persistent changes in sexuality. However, research on clinicians' perspectives in addressing sexuality issues post-ABI is limited. This study explored the attitudes and approaches, barriers and facilitators, and training preferences of Australian clinicians in addressing sexuality in individuals post-ABI.

METHOD

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 Australian multi-disciplinary clinicians from a related survey study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three broad themes were identified: ABI results in multi-faceted changes in sexuality; there is a fundamental discomfort in talking about sexuality; and, strategies proposed by clinicians may help to improve sexuality support. Participants also provided suggestions for sexuality training, which they believed should start at university.

CONCLUSION

Most clinicians are aware of sexuality issues post-ABI but fail to adequately address sexuality in individuals post-ABI due to personal levels of discomfort, perpetuated by institutional factors. Therefore, participants believe that changes made at individual and institutional levels may increase sexuality support for individuals with ABI. However, further research on the causes and treatment of sexual problems and patient perspectives is required to provide the evidence-based guidelines and training programs that clinicians require.Implications for rehabilitationUp to half of individuals experience changes in sexuality after ABI that restrict quality of life and relationships.The consequences of ABI and their impacts on sexuality are understood by Australian clinicians but remain largely unaddressed due to individual discomfort, perpetuated by institutional factors.This study suggests that professional training targeted towards understanding, assessing and treating sexuality issues post-ABI may help to reduce the discomfort.Adjustments should also be made at individual, policy and procedural levels to ensure that sexuality is addressed within rehabilitation post-ABI.

"It's been a long hard road": challenges faced in the first three years following traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE

There is limited qualitative research exploring challenges experienced following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated challenges to recovery identified by individuals who sustained severe TBI three years earlier or their close others (COs), as well as suggestions for managing these challenges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine participants with TBI and 16 COs completed semi-structured interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, challenges were identified across several timeframes (i.e., at the injury, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and at home/other location).

RESULTS

Challenges experienced across all timeframes included: lack of information and poor communication, pre-existing conditions, missed injuries, and issues with medical staff, and continuity of care. From acute care onwards, there were TBI-related consequences, issues with coping and emotional adjustment, negative outlook, insufficient treatment, lack of support for COs, and issues with compensation and funding for rehabilitation needs. Some challenges were unique to a specific timeframe (e.g., over-stimulating ward setting during acute care, and limited or unsupportive families once injured individuals went home). Suggestions for managing some of the challenges were provided (e.g., information provision, having peer supports).

CONCLUSION

Suggestions should be considered to promote successful outcomes following severe TBI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRecovery following a severe traumatic brain injury can be hindered by challenges, such as poor communication, limited information provision, injury-related consequences, limited services and emotional support for the injured individual and their Close Others, and a need for education of the broader community about traumatic brain injury.Suggestions for managing these challenges (e.g., peer supports; services closer to home) could be used to inform clinical guidelines that could be used in a rehabilitation context.These suggestions ultimately aim to improve the post-injury experience and outcomes of individuals with traumatic brain injury and their Close Others.

Survey on the experiences, attitudes, and training needs of Australian healthcare professionals related to sexuality and service delivery in individuals with acquired brain injury

Following acquired brain injury (ABI), sexuality, self-esteem and practices are often negatively impacted. Whilst sexuality is recognized as an essential part of a person's life regardless of medical condition, it is poorly understood in the ABI rehabilitation context. This study examined current assessment and treatment practices for sexual health and wellbeing in ABI rehabilitation, including perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing sexuality with individuals after ABI. We also assessed the need for further education and training in this area. Two hundred and thirty-nine Australian healthcare professionals predominantly working with both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke populations completed an online survey comprising thirty-four questions. The 12-item sexuality attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS) was included as an additional objective outcome measure. Findings suggest that healthcare professionals infrequently raise sexuality with individuals with ABI. Inadequate education and training, not knowing whose role it is and when to raise the topic, and the view that individuals with ABI will ask for the information were all identified as key barriers contributing to poor sexuality management after ABI. More education and training opportunities with greater access to resources are needed to facilitate the incorporation of sexuality into routine practice across the continuum of ABI care.

Evaluating a Novel Treatment Adapting a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Approach for Sexuality Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Case Design with Nonconcurrent Multiple Baselines

There has been little progress in development of evidence-based interventions to improve sexuality outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an individualised intervention using a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) framework to treat sexuality problems after TBI. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline single-case design with 8-week follow-up and randomisation to multiple baseline lengths (3, 4, or 6 weeks) was repeated across nine participants (five female) with complicated mild–severe TBI (mean age = 46.44 years (SD = 12.67), mean post-traumatic amnesia = 29.14 days (SD = 29.76), mean time post-injury = 6.56 years (median = 2.50 years, SD = 10.11)). Treatment comprised eight weekly, individual sessions, combining behavioural, cognitive, and educational strategies to address diverse sexuality problems. Clinical psychologists adopted a flexible, patient-centred, and goal-orientated approach whilst following a treatment guide and accommodating TBI-related impairments. Target behaviour was subjective ratings of satisfaction with sexuality, measured three times weekly. Secondary outcomes included measures of sexuality, mood, self-esteem, and participation. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) was used to measure personally meaningful goals. Preliminary support was shown for intervention effectiveness, with most cases demonstrating sustained improvements in subjective sexuality satisfaction and GAS goal attainment. Based on the current findings, larger clinical trials are warranted.

Positive Behaviour Support for adults with acquired brain injury and challenging behaviour: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Challenging behaviours are common and disabling consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI), causing stress for close-others and disrupting community integration. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) interventions have support from case studies as a means of reducing these behaviours, but controlled trials are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate, with a randomised waitlist-controlled trial, the efficacy of a 12-month PBS intervention, termed PBS+PLUS, in reducing challenging behaviours after ABI.

METHODS

Participants included 49 individuals with ABI (PBS+PLUS Intervention and Waitlist Treatment-as-usual groups) and their close-others. The design was a randomised waitlist-controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. PBS+PLUS involved setting collaborative goals toward a more meaningful life with the individual with ABI and addressing barriers to achieving these, including challenging behaviours, through skill-building, restructuring environments and executive strategies. The primary outcome measure was the Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS). The Challenging Behaviour Self-Efficacy Scale (CBSES) was a secondary outcome, assessing close-others' self-efficacy in addressing challenging behaviour. Measures were completed at baseline and every 4 months. Data analyses involved mixed-effects and negative binomial regressions examining change over time by group.

RESULTS

The PBS+PLUS Intervention group included 24 participants and the Waitlist group 25 participants. On the OBS, the Intervention group showed a significant reduction in challenging behaviour over the 12-month intervention. However, the Waitlist group showed similar improvement on the OBS over the 12-month waitlist period. The Waitlist group was not denied an intervention from other providers during this period. Gains continued for 8 months post-intervention. The PBS+PLUS intervention resulted in significantly greater gains in close-others' confidence in addressing challenging behaviours on the CBSES, relative to those in the Waitlist group, who showed no such gains.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we cannot say this intervention is more effective than any other, the study did show that PBS+PLUS can result in significant and sustained reductions in challenging behaviour in individuals with severe ABI and increased confidence of close-others in addressing these difficult behaviours. AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: #ACTRN12616001704482.

Depression prevalence using the HADS-D compared to SCID major depression classification: An individual participant data meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Validated diagnostic interviews are required to classify depression status and estimate prevalence of disorder, but screening tools are often used instead. We used individual participant data meta-analysis to compare prevalence based on standard Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - depression subscale (HADS-D) cutoffs of ≥8 and ≥11 versus Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) major depression and determined if an alternative HADS-D cutoff could more accurately estimate prevalence.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations via Ovid, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (inception-July 11, 2016) for studies comparing HADS-D scores to SCID major depression status. Pooled prevalence and pooled differences in prevalence for HADS-D cutoffs versus SCID major depression were estimated.

RESULTS

6005 participants (689 SCID major depression cases) from 41 primary studies were included. Pooled prevalence was 24.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 20.5%, 29.0%) for HADS-D ≥8, 10.7% (95% CI: 8.3%, 13.8%) for HADS-D ≥11, and 11.6% (95% CI: 9.2%, 14.6%) for SCID major depression. HADS-D ≥11 was closest to SCID major depression prevalence, but the 95% prediction interval for the difference that could be expected for HADS-D ≥11 versus SCID in a new study was -21.1% to 19.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

HADS-D ≥8 substantially overestimates depression prevalence. Of all possible cutoff thresholds, HADS-D ≥11 was closest to the SCID, but there was substantial heterogeneity in the difference between HADS-D ≥11 and SCID-based estimates. HADS-D should not be used as a substitute for a validated diagnostic interview.

Probability of major depression diagnostic classification based on the SCID, CIDI and MINI diagnostic interviews controlling for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale scores: An individual participant data meta-analysis of 73 primary studies

OBJECTIVE

Two previous individual participant data meta-analyses (IPDMAs) found that different diagnostic interviews classify different proportions of people as having major depression overall or by symptom levels. We compared the odds of major depression classification across diagnostic interviews among studies that administered the Depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D).

METHODS

Data accrued for an IPDMA on HADS-D diagnostic accuracy were analysed. We fit binomial generalized linear mixed models to compare odds of major depression classification for the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID), Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), controlling for HADS-D scores and participant characteristics with and without an interaction term between interview and HADS-D scores.

RESULTS

There were 15,856 participants (1942 [12%] with major depression) from 73 studies, including 15,335 (97%) non-psychiatric medical patients, 164 (1%) partners of medical patients, and 357 (2%) healthy adults. The MINI (27 studies, 7345 participants, 1066 major depression cases) classified participants as having major depression more often than the CIDI (10 studies, 3023 participants, 269 cases) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.70 (0.84, 3.43)) and the semi-structured SCID (36 studies, 5488 participants, 607 cases) (aOR = 1.52 (1.01, 2.30)). The odds ratio for major depression classification with the CIDI was less likely to increase as HADS-D scores increased than for the SCID (interaction aOR = 0.92 (0.88, 0.96)).

CONCLUSION

Compared to the SCID, the MINI may diagnose more participants as having major depression, and the CIDI may be less responsive to symptom severity.

Key Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) items associated with DSM-IV depressive and anxiety disorder 12-months post traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are common problems following traumatic brain injury (TBI), warranting routine screening. Self-report rating scales including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are associated with depression and anxiety diagnoses in individuals with TBI. The relationship between individual HADS symptoms and structured clinical interview methods (SCID) requires further investigation, particularly in regard to identifying a small number of key items that can potentially be recognised by clinicians and carers of individuals with TBI.

METHODS

138 individuals sustaining a complicated-mild to severe TBI completed the HADS, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Research Version (SCID) at 12-months post-injury. The associations between individual HADS items, separately and in combination, as well as overall depression and anxiety subscale scores, and SCID-diagnosed depressive and anxiety disorders were analysed.

RESULTS

CART (Classification and Regression Tree) analysis found HADS depression item 2 "I still enjoy the things I used to enjoy" and a combination of two anxiety items, 3 "I get a sort of frightened feeling as if something awful is about to happen" and 5 "worrying thoughts go through my mind", performed similarly to total depression and anxiety subscales in terms of their association with depressive and anxiety disorders respectively, at 12-months post-injury.

LIMITATIONS

Patients were predominantly injured in motor vehicle accidents and received comprehensive care within a no-fault accident compensation system and so may not be representative of the wider TBI population.

CONCLUSIONS

Although validation is required, a small number of self-report items are highly associated with 12-month post-injury diagnoses.

Mortality following Traumatic Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation

The aim of this study was to examine the rate and causes of mortality following mild to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation and to develop a multivariate prognostic model of mortality. We conducted a cohort study of 3341 individuals with mild to severe TBI followed-up from a post-acute inpatient rehabilitation center. Rate of death and survival between one and 26 years following injury were examined using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and prognostic models developed using Cox regression. A mortality rate of 9.3% was observed and an overall SMR of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04-1.05). A statistically significant elevated SMR of 1.20 (95% CI=1.06-1.37) was observed for males, and both males and females had an elevated risk of death from external causes. Females also were found to have a significantly elevated SMR of 5.02 (95% CI=1.36-12.80) for intentional self-harm. Individuals ages 15-44 had a two-fold increase in mortality, compared with the general population. The multivariate Cox model indicated that increased risk of mortality was associated with older age, being male, being unemployed prior to injury, having a history of stroke, alcohol use, mental health issues, and back injury sustained in the accident. Premorbid lifestyle factors exerted a greater influence on mortality following TBI, compared with injury-related factors. This risk was especially prominent for younger individuals, who died primarily due to external causes. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address premorbid issues, such as substance abuse and mental health issues.

Longitudinal follow-up of patients with traumatic brain injury: outcome at two, five, and ten years post-injury

The deleterious consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) impair capacity to return to many avenues of pre-morbid life. However, there has been limited longitudinal research examining outcome beyond five years post-injury. The aim of this study was to examine aspects of function, previously shown to be affected following TBI, over a span of 10 years. One hundred and forty one patients with TBI were assessed at two, five, and 10 years post-injury using the Structured Outcome Questionnaire. Fatigue and balance problems were the most common neurological symptoms, with reported rates decreasing only slightly during the 10-year period. Mobility outcomes were good in more than 75% of patients, with few participants requiring aids for mobility. Changes in cognitive, communication, behavioral, and emotional functions were reported by approximately 60% of the sample at all time points. Levels of independence in activities of daily living were high during the 10-year period, and as many as 70% of subjects returned to driving. Nevertheless, approximately 40% of patients required more support than before their injury. Only half the sample returned to previous leisure activities and fewer than half were employed at each assessment time post-injury. Although marital status remained stable over time, approximately 30% of participants reported difficulties in personal relationships. Older age at injury did not substantially alter the pattern of changes over time, except in employment. Overall, problems that were evident at two years post-injury persisted until 10 years post-injury. The importance of these findings is discussed with reference to rehabilitation programs.

Assessment of sexuality following traumatic brain injury: validation of the Brain Injury Questionnaire of Sexuality

BACKGROUND

The importance of effectively identifying and managing sexuality issues following acquired brain injury is being increasingly recognized within clinical and research domains. However, a tool specifically developed to measure sexuality following brain injury is yet to be validated.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the reliability and validity of the Brain Injury Questionnaire of Sexuality (BIQS) was evaluated.

METHOD

Eight hundred and sixty-five people who had sustained traumatic brain injury participated in this study. All participants completed the BIQS, and a subsample also completed the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Self-Report version (DISF-SR).

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis supported a 3-subscale structure of the BIQS, which aligns with contemporary conceptual models of sexuality in chronic disease. All subscales of the BIQS demonstrated very good internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity of all BIQS subscales was also demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the study support the reliability and validity of the BIQS, which shows promise as a measurement tool for future traumatic brain injury sexuality research. Further validation work including evaluation for potential clinical applications is encouraged.