Characteristics associated with satisfaction with life 1 year post traumatic brain injury in a population of Hispanic individuals

Abstract

Objective:

To determine which demographic, injury, rehabilitation, and follow-up characteristics are associated with satisfaction with life in a population of Hispanic individuals 1 year post-traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Longitudinal dataset of the TBI Model Systems National Database.

Participants:

291 Hispanic adults with TBIs occurring between 1999 and 2008 having year 1 follow-up data.

Main outcome measure:

Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) measured 1 year post-TBI.

Results:

The relationships between SWLS 1 year post-injury and a variety of demographic, injury, rehabilitation, and follow-up characteristics were modeled using generalized linear models. The final multivariable model explained 25.2% of variability in SWLS (F (7, 261) = 12.6, p < 0.001) and included quadratic effects for both age at injury and FIM cognitive scores 1 year post-injury, as well as effects for associated SCI and employment status 1 year post-injury (all p-values ⩽ 0.036). In general, higher age, no associated SCI, not being unemployed at 1 year post-injury, and very high or very low FIM cognitive scores were associated with greater SWLS scores 1 year post-injury.

Conclusions:

These results suggest a variety of demographic, injury, and follow-up characteristics are related with SWLS 1 year post-TBI in Hispanic individuals. Focusing rehabilitation efforts on improving cognition and vocational skills may improve SWLS in Hispanics 1 year post-TBI.