@article{ref1,
title="Physical and psychological outcomes 8 months after serious gunshot injury",
journal="Journal of trauma",
year="2002",
author="Kellermann, Arthur L. and Greenspan, Arlene I.",
volume="53",
number="4",
pages="709-716",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the health status and psychological distress of gunshot injury victims 8 months after hospital discharge. METHODS: Sixty patients admitted to a Level I trauma center for firearm-related injuries were interviewed during their hospitalization and again 8 months postdischarge. Health status was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Symptoms of posttraumatic stress (avoidance and intrusion) were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale. RESULTS: Subjects were predominantly young (mean age, 30 years), male (92%), and African-American (95%). Mean SF-36 scores at follow-up were significantly worse than preinjury scores for all subscales (p < 0.05). Symptoms of posttraumatic stress were common; 39% of respondents reported severe intrusive thoughts and 42% reported severe avoidance behaviors. Admission Injury Severity Scores did not predict poor health status 8 months postdischarge, but intrusion symptoms were strongly associated with lower SF-36 scores. CONCLUSION: Many hospitalized survivors of gunshot injuries report significant long-term declines in physical and/or mental health. Injury severity at hospital admission may not be predictive of long-term health status.",
language="",
issn="0022-5282",
doi="10.1097/01.TA.0000022350.03761.F8",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.TA.0000022350.03761.F8"
}