Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury and Behavioral Health Problems in a Population-Based Sample

To investigate the relationships between indices of lifetime history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure and measures of behavioral health status among Ohioans.

A random sample (n = 6996) of Ohioans contacted to complete the 2014 Ohio Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS).

A cross-sectional survey.

The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method adapted for BRFSS module and BRFSS behavioral indicators.

After demographic adjustment, lifetime history of TBI was found to be associated with increased odds of binge drinking, heavy drinking, smoking, a depressive disorder, or mental health not being good (≥2 days and ≥14 days in last 30 days). Mixed findings across behavioral indicators were observed in regard to number and severity of injury. Age at first injury showed no remarkable associations with the behavioral health indicators.

Ohioans who have sustained at least one TBI with loss of consciousness in their lifetime are at increased risk for poor behavioral health, including alcohol misuse, smoking, and depression. The findings underscore the need for community-based mental health treatment programs to screen for TBI history in their intake evaluations, and to train clinicians on the provisions of accommodations for cognitive and behavioral deficits.