Citation

Haarbauer-Krupa J, Lebrun-Harris LA, Black LI, Veliz P, Daugherty J, Desrocher R, Schulenberg JE, Pilkey D, Breiding MJ. Ann. Epidemiol. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, American College of Epidemiology, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.11.006

PMID

33227432

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Reports on pediatric lifetime concussions/head injuries (LCHI) from national surveys have offered estimates on prevalence that range from 2.5% to 18% in the general population. The purpose of this study is to examine national surveys to compare methodologies and limitations pertaining to LCHI data collection.

METHODS: Three nationally representative surveys that measure LCHI in children, including the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and the Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey were examined. Children were grouped by ages 3-17 years and adolescents ages 13-17 years, stratified by selected demographic characteristics. Participants in the surveys included parents (NSCH, NHIS) and adolescents (MTF Survey). The primary outcome measure is an estimate of LCHI in children.

RESULTS: Estimates of prevalence of LCHI ranged from 3.6% to 7.0% for children ages 3-17 years and from 6.5% to 18.3% for adolescents 13-17 years. Survey modality, question wording, and respondent may contribute to differing estimates. Prevalence showed consistent variation by age, sex, and race/ethnicity across surveys. Associations were inconsistent between LCHI and insurance status, parental education, and household primary language.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there are methodological differences in capturing pediatric LCHI across surveys, the prevalence estimates and correlational associations generated can offer awareness about the burden of these injuries and insights to research and clinical care.

Language: en

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury; TBI; Emergency department; ADHD; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Adjusted prevalence rate ratios; aPRR; CI; Confidence interval; ED; LCHI; Lifetime concussion/head injury; Monitoring the Future; MTF; National Health Interview Survey; National Survey of Children’s Health; NHIS; NSCH