Predictive factors of quality of life in acquired brain injury

The sequelae and the disability and dependence that follow an acquired brain injury (ABI) may result in a significant reduction in the quality of life (QoL) of those affected. The objective was to assess the QoL of a sample of Spanish patients with an ABI and analyze the influence of certain sociodemographic and injury-related variables on their QoL.

The sample comprised 421 adults (60% male; M _age = 53.12; SD = 14.87). Professionals and relatives assessed the patients' QoL through the CAVIDACE scale, an ABI-specific tool based on the eight-domain QoL model.

Univariate analyses showed statistically significant differences in the QoL scores in several sociodemographic (age, civil status, education level, prior employment status, type of home, level of supports, loss of legal capacity, recognized dependence, and degree of dependence) and injury-related (time since the injury, location of the injury, and presence of post-traumatic amnesia) variables. The multiple linear regression showed that loss of legal capacity, time since the injury, prior employment status, location of the injury, and degree of dependence were significant QoL predictors.

These findings provide knowledge for the development of programs aimed at reducing the negative impact of ABI on QoL.