Citation

Brickell TA, French LM, Varbedian NV, Sewell JM, Schiefelbein FC, Wright MM, Lange RT. Fam. Process 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Family Process Institute, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/famp.12731

PMID

34859431

Abstract

This study examined relationship satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among spouse caregivers assisting service members and veterans (SMV) with comorbid uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spouse caregivers (N = 205) completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), 12 HRQOL measures, and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory 4(th) Edition (MPAI-4). T-scores were classified as "clinically elevated" using a cutoff of ≥60T. The sample was also classified into "Satisfied" (≥13.5, n = 113, 55.0%) or "Dissatisfied" (<13.5, n = 92, 44.0%) relationship categories. Using stepwise regression analysis, Anxiety, Family Disruption, Vigilance, Emotional Support, Feeling Trapped, and MPAI-4 Adjustment were identified as the strongest predictors of CSI total scores (p < 0.001), accounting for 41.6% of the variance. Squared semi-partial correlations revealed that 18.1% of the variance was shared across all six measures, with 7.8% to 1.5% of unique variance accounted for by each measure separately. When comparing the number of clinically elevated measures simultaneously, the Dissatisfied group consistently had a higher number of clinically elevated scores compared to the Satisfied group (e.g., 3-or-more clinically elevated scores: Dissatisfied = 40.2%, Satisfied = 8.8%, OR = 6.93, H = 0.76). Caring for a SMV with comorbid TBI and PTSD can have a profound impact on the spouse caregiver's HRQOL, relationship satisfaction, and family functioning. The findings from the current study continue to support the need for family involvement in the SMV's treatment plan, but more effort is needed to integrate behavioral health treatment that focuses on the family member's own issues into military TBI and PTSD systems of care.

Language: en

Keywords

post-traumatic stress disorder; traumatic brain injury; calidad de vida relacionada con la salud; cónyuge cuidador de un militar; health-related quality of life; lesión cerebral traumática; miembro del servicio militar o veterano; military spouse caregiver; relationship satisfaction; satisfacción con la relación; service member veteran; trastorno por estrés postraumático; 健康相关生活质量; 关系满意度; 军人配偶照顾者; 创伤后应激障碍; 创伤性脑损伤; 退伍军人