The effect of aging on long-term outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

摘要

As individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) grow older, there is a need to better understand the relationship between aging and long-term occupational performance (self-care, productivity, leisure) outcomes. This study examined the effect of aging on long-term outcomes up to 24 years following TBI. It involved analysis of data from a large retrospective cohort study of 306 adults with moderate to severe TBI discharged from a rehabilitation hospital. Extensive sociodemographic, injury-severity, personal (cognitive, physical, affective), environmental (social, institutional, physical), and occupational performance variables were gathered via medical records and in-person interviews. Results showed that persons aging with TBI report ongoing cognitive, physical, and affective problems. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that preinjury sociodemographic characteristics (gender and behavioural problems) and postinjury cognitive and physical function had the strongest independent associations with occupational performance outcomes. These findings suggest the need for long-term continuation of rehabilitation services and targeted interventions.