TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2002//
TI  - Physical and psychological outcomes 8 months after serious gunshot injury
JO  - Journal of trauma
A1  - Kellermann, Arthur L.
A1  - Greenspan, Arlene I.
SP  - 709
EP  - 716
VL  - 53
IS  - 4
N2  - 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.
LA  - 
SN  - 0022-5282
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.TA.0000022350.03761.F8
ID  - ref1
ER  -