Social Determinants of Health Influence Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptom Burden: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally, often resulting in persistent symptoms.
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 13-15 define mild TBI.
• The Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) assesses symptom burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on symptom reporting within one month post-mild TBI.
• To identify specific SDOH factors associated with increased symptom burden.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 451 patients with mild TBI (GCS 13-15) from a trauma registry.
• Data collection included demographics, injury details, comorbidities, and geocoded SDOH.
• Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify contributing variables.

Main Results:

• Increased symptom burden on the RPQ was linked to sex, poverty concentration, depression/anxiety history, lower GCS, drug use, obesity, and positive head CT.
• Fraction of individuals in poverty was a significant predictor for RPQ-3 and RPQ-13 scores.

Conclusions:

• Poverty concentration emerged as a key SDOH factor influencing post-mild TBI symptom burden.
• Screening for SDOH is recommended to identify patients at risk for poor recovery.
• Integrating SDOH assessment can enhance TBI care and patient outcomes.