Citation

Brown EA, Kenardy J, Chandler B, Anderson V, McKinlay L, Le Brocque R. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2015; 41(2): 244-255.

Affiliation

Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Queensland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsv090

PMID

26395759

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To identify which specific aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL) are affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) injury severity (Severity), time since injury (Time), and the interaction between Severity and Time, in a pediatric sample. It was hypothesized that Severity would decrease HRQL, Time would increase HRQL, and time to recover would be protracted for children with severe TBI.  METHODS:  This study followed a pediatric sample (n = 182, aged 6-14 years, recruited through three Australian hospitals) who sustained a mild or moderate-severe TBI across 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-TBI. Twelve specific HRQL outcomes were assessed via the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 questionnaire.  RESULTS:  Dimensions of HRQL were differentially affected. Children with moderate-severe TBI generally experienced greater initial dysfunction than children with mild TBI; however, this difference disappeared by 18 months post-TBI.  CONCLUSIONS:  Specific time points where HRQL outcomes may remediate are identified, and clinical recommendations regarding intervention strategies are discussed.

Language: en