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Investigations on Alterations of Hippocampal Circuit Function Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: November 19, 2012
Psychosocial functioning at 4-years after pediatric mild traumatic brain injury
Kelly M Jones1, Shanthi Ameratunga2, Nicola J Starkey3
1School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Children with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) show persistent behavioral and emotional challenges four years post-injury. Parental mental health is a key factor influencing these long-term psychosocial outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can lead to behavioral and emotional issues.
- Long-term psychosocial outcomes following pediatric TBI require further investigation using a comprehensive approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine psychosocial outcomes at 4-years post-mild TBI in children.
- To identify factors associated with these long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Parents of 93 children (<16 years) with mild TBI completed validated questionnaires assessing psychosocial functioning.
- Assessments included executive function, quality of life, and participation at 4-years post-injury.
Main Results:
- Children with mild TBI exhibited higher rates of hyperactivity/inattention and lower emotional functioning than norms.
- Over 19% met criteria for significant behavioral, emotional, peer, or social difficulties.
- Lower socioeconomic status and parental mental health issues correlated with poorer child outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Children with mild TBI face significant psychosocial challenges four years after injury.
- Parental mental health is a critical factor in supporting children's recovery and development.
- Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract:
Objective: Behavioral and emotional difficulties are reported following pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). But few studies have used a broad conceptual approach to examine children's long-term psychosocial outcomes. This study examines children's psychosocial outcomes at 4-years after mild TBI and associated factors.Methods: Parents of 93 children (<16 years) with mild TBI completed subscales of age-appropriate versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and the Adolescent Scale of Participation questionnaire at 4-years post-injury.Results: Mean group-level scores were statistically significantly higher for hyperactivity/inattention and lower for emotional functioning than published norms. Levels of participation were greater compared to those observed in normative samples. More than 19% met published criteria for clinically significant hyperactivity/inattention, emotional functioning problems, peer relationship problems, and social functioning difficulties. Lower family socio-economic status and greater parental anxiety and depression were associated with overall psychosocial difficulties.Conclusions: Findings indicate that as a group, children with mild TBI are characterized by elevated rates of behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties at 4-years post-injury. Parent mental health may be an untapped opportunity to support children's psychosocial development following mild TBI, with replication required in larger samples.
