Health-related quality-of-life in the first year following a childhood concussion

Abstract

Objectives: (1) To compare pre-injury health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) of children who have sustained mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) to their HRQoL at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury and (2) to compare the HRQoL of children with mTBI, children with mild non-brain injuries and children who were uninjured at the same time points. Child and parent responses were obtained for both objectives.

Patients and methods: This prospective cohort study involved a self-selected convenience sample to evaluate child and parent perspectives of the HRQoL of 5–17 year old children with mTBI using the PedsQL Generic Core Scales and Cognitive Functioning Scale. Total sample size was 120 child/parent dyads, with 40 dyads each in the study and two control groups. Children who required hospitalization greater than 24 hours were excluded from the study.

Results: HRQoL of children with mTBI was not significantly different between pre- and post-injury at all-time points. However, children and parents in the mild non-brain injury group reported significantly lower physical HRQoL 1 month post-injury.

Conclusions: Children with mTBI had similar pre- and post-injury HRQoL. Thus, children who sustain mTBI and have significantly lower HRQoL within the first year post-injury merit further evaluation.

• Children
• concussion
• mild brain injury
• paediatric
• outcome
• quality-of-life

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mary Bear, PhD, RN for contributions to the conception and design of this study and Debra McDonald of the University of Florida College of Nursing Office of Research Support for editorial assistance. This research was supported by grants from the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association and the Florida Nurses Association. The Quality of Life study described in this paper was carried out using the PedsQL, developed by Dr. James W. Varni.