Citation

Mackelprang JL, Harpin SD, Grubenhoff JA, Rivara FP. Am. J. Public Health 2014; 104(10): 1986-1992.

Affiliation

Jessica L. Mackelprang is with the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. Scott D. Harpin is with the College of Nursing, Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado, Aurora. Joseph A. Grubenhoff is with the Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora. Frederick P. Rivara is with the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2014.302087

PMID

25122029

Abstract

OBJECTIVEs. We examined the prevalence of self-reported traumatic brain injury (TBI) among homeless young people and explored whether sociodemographic characteristics, mental health diagnoses, substance use, exposure to violence, or difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) were associated with TBI.

METHODS. We analyzed data from the Wilder Homelessness Study, in which participants were recruited in 2006 and 2009 from streets, shelters, and locations in Minnesota that provide services to homeless individuals. Participants completed 30-minute interviews to collect information about history of TBI, homelessness, health status, exposure to violence (e.g., childhood abuse, assault), and other aspects of functioning.

RESULTS. Of the 2732 participating adolescents and young adults, 43% reported a history of TBI. Participants with TBI became homeless at a younger age and were more likely to report mental health diagnoses, substance use, suicidality, victimization, and difficulties with ADLs. The majority of participants (51%) reported sustaining their first injury prior to becoming homeless or at the same age of their first homeless episode (10%).

CONCLUSIONS. TBI occurs frequently among homeless young people and is a marker of adverse outcomes such as mental health difficulties, suicidal behavior, substance use, and victimization. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 14, 2014: e1-e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302087).

Language: en