Psychosocial sequelae after acquired brain injury: A 5-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective

Several studies have investigated biopsychosocial consequences after acquired brain injury (ABI) in the early rehabilitation phases. However, longitudinal studies are rare and few go beyond three years post-injury. The aim of the present study was to assess biopsychosocial challenges in a long term perspective and investigate which challenges remain after five years. With reference to the biopsychosocial model our study holds a special emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of it. Methods: Adults (N = 45) with moderate or severe ABI were evaluated at three time points: at discharge from hospitalization, 1-year post-injury, and 5-year follow-up. Data were derived from self-reported questionnaires: Major Depression Inventory, Quality of life, Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire and self-reports on work and marital status. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for analysis. Results: Physical QOL and aspects of autonomy increased over time whereas social QOL decreased. Family roles were challenged at discharge and remained so at 1-year and 5-year follow-up, and the frequency of being married or in a relationship dropped. Level of depression did not change significantly over time, and one in four were still above clinical cut-off at the 5-year follow-up. Employment increased over time but remained less than half of the pre-injury level. Conclusion: Improvements in perceived physical function and autonomy are possible long after the injury, whereas social relations remain a challenge and signs of depression persist.

Keywords:

• quality of life
• psychological rehabilitation
• bio-psycho-social outcome
• longitudinal study
• transitions
• ABI

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Marie Pedersen and Jensine Heiberg’s Foundation for a grant for this research project. Furthermore, we want to thank research assistant Stine Jensenius Jensen, Chris Cummins for proofreading, and reviewers for constructive feedback.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.