Preventive Health Practices and Behavioral Risk Factors in Women Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally and is considered a universal public health concern. Our study addresses a considerable knowledge gap about the health of female survivors of TBI. Using a retrospective cohort study design, we examined behavioral risk factors, access to health screenings, and primary care services among women with a history of moderate to severe TBI. We compared findings with a general female population. Female survivors (n = 75) appeared to have comparable use of primary care services with the general population. Significantly more women reported poor mental health postinjury; reported alcohol consumption was also greater.

Acknowledgments

Funding for this study was obtained from the National Institute on Aging (grant F33 AGO5856-01A1), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (grant NS34740-2), the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (grant 200603MOP-158609-GSH-OPAA-16872), the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute through a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Foundation. The authors acknowledge the support of Lauren Drvaric and Sandra Sokoloff in the preparation of this article. Support was also obtained through the Ontario Work Study Program and the Federation of Independent Schools in Pittsburgh.