Assessing Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and Health-Related Quality of Life in Three Eastern European Countries
Insights
Even mild pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impact children's quality of life. This study highlights the need for better TBI care and data collection in low- and middle-income countries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Public health
- Health outcomes research
Background:
- Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of childhood disability globally.
- Its impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains understudied.
- This research focuses on TBI incidence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of pediatric TBI in selected LMICs.
- To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children following TBI.
- To understand the specific challenges and outcomes in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- A standardized pediatric TBI registry was utilized for data collection.
- The EQ-5D-Y-3L instrument assessed HRQoL in 273 children aged 4-18.
Main Results:
- The majority of pediatric TBIs (93.7%) were classified as mild.
- Despite mild severity, significant proportions reported pain/discomfort (30.6%) and difficulties with usual activities (23.8%).
- Older age was correlated with diminished HRQoL scores (p = .007).
Conclusions:
- Mild pediatric TBIs can lead to substantial negative effects on HRQoL, especially in older children.
- Integrating HRQoL assessments into TBI registries in LMICs is crucial for improving care.
- Findings can inform targeted interventions and health policies in resource-constrained environments.
Introduction:
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global cause of disability, yet its impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is poorly understood. This study assesses TBI incidence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study used a standardized pediatric TBI registry and the EQ-5D-Y-3L instrument (in Georgia and Moldova). A total of 745 pediatric TBI cases were recorded, with 273 children aged 4-18 completing the HRQoL assessment.
Results:
Most TBIs were mild (93.7%). Despite mild severity, 30.6% reported pain/discomfort and 23.8% reported difficulty with usual activities. Older age was significantly associated with lower EQ-VAS scores (p = .007).
Conclusions:
Even mild pediatric TBIs can negatively affect HRQoL, particularly in older children. Incorporating HRQoL measures into TBI registries in LMICs can support evidence-based care, guide targeted interventions, and inform health policy in resource-limited settings.
