Predictors of participation over the 10 years after TBI in black individuals

Abstract

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem and is associated with an increased number of health comorbidities.

Objective

This study examined: (a) longitudinal trajectories of participation over the 10 years after TBI in a group of Black individuals, and (b) demographic and injury-related predictors of those trajectories.

Method

This study included 1,989 Black individuals in the national TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) Database, who had at least one of each Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective (PART-O) subscale scores at one or more follow-up time points (1, 2, 5, and 10 years after TBI).

Results

Lower PART-O Productivity trajectories were observed among participants who were male (b = −.26, p = .001), were older at the time of injury (b = −.02, p < .001), had a lower education level (b = .06, p < .001), had public insurance coverage (b = .17, p = .009), and had longer posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) duration (b = −.28, p < .001). Lower PART-O Social trajectories emerged among participants who were older at the time of injury (b = −.02, p < .001), did not have a partner at the time of injury (b = .66, p < .001), had public insurance coverage (b = .19, p = .009), and had longer PTA duration (b = −.19, p = .001). Lower PART-O Out and About trajectories emerged among participants who were older at the time of injury (b = −.01, p = .018) and had a lower education level (b = .05, p < .001).

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of understanding the strengths, risk factors, and unmet needs of this group, many of whom experience decreased community and social engagement after TBI.