Predictors and indicators of work status after traumatic brain injury: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Heterogeneity of studies reporting data about predictive and indicative variables of return to work after traumatic brain injury led to a lack of clarity and reliability. A meta-analysis was performed to integrate and organise the results of studies reporting data about the relation between variables that are conceptually meaningful in rehabilitation and a dichotomous criteria of work status: employed or unemployed. The large quantity of variables were grouped chronologically according pre-, peri and post-traumatic phases. The results indicate that the highest and most reliable correlations were between unemployment and executive dysfunctions, emotional disturbances, deficits in activities of daily living, and less vocational rehabilitation services. Other variables, such as anosmia and post-coma activity level, show high correlations but are still to be corroborated.