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Depressive Symptoms Predict Delayed Ambulation After Traumatic Injury
Jacob T Higgins1, Terry A Lennie, Susan K Frazier
1College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington (Drs Higgins, Lennie, and Frazier); and Department of Nursing Professional Practice and Support, UK HealthCare, Lexington, Kentucky (Dr Higgins).
Summary
Depressive symptoms, not anxiety, predicted delayed ambulation in trauma patients. Higher depression scores increased the likelihood of delayed mobility after injury, impacting recovery.
Area of Science:
- Trauma care
- Psychological impact of injury
- Rehabilitation medicine
Background:
- Up to 40% of trauma patients experience anxiety and depression.
- These psychological symptoms can impede early mobilization post-injury.
- Early ambulation is crucial for recovery after traumatic injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if baseline anxiety and depressive symptoms predict delayed ambulation in major trauma patients.
- To understand the psychological factors influencing acute recovery in trauma survivors.
Main Methods:
- Adult trauma patients (n=19) with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 15 were assessed.
- Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) measured baseline psychological state.
- Logistic regression analyzed HADS scores' predictive power for ambulation >48 hours, controlling for ISS.
Main Results:
- 32% of patients had anxiety; 21% had depressive symptoms at baseline.
- Baseline anxiety scores did not predict delayed ambulation.
- Each 1-point increase in HADS Depression score raised the odds of delayed ambulation by 67% (OR=1.67, p=.041).
Conclusions:
- Increased depressive symptoms are linked to delayed ambulation in the acute phase after trauma.
- Further research is needed to clarify the psychological-physical recovery relationship.
- Findings may inform interventions to improve trauma patient outcomes.
