Traumatic brain injury as a result of violence in native American and black communities spanning from childhood to older adulthood

Abstract

Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the aetiology of TBI between different race, gender and age groups to understand demographic characteristics of people who experience TBI.

Research design: A secondary data analysis of the Arizona Trauma Database consisting of 18 868 cases of TBI between 2008–2010 was conducted.

Methods and procedures: The sample consisted of patients who ranged in age from 0–79 and were White, Black, Native American, Asian or other race. Cross-tabulations, chi-squares and a logistic regression were conducted.

Main outcomes and results: Standardized residuals indicated that Native Americans and Blacks were more likely to experience violent TBI, regardless of gender or age group (p < 0.01). The logistic regression indicated that Native Americans (OR = 3.13), Blacks (OR = 1.95) and other race (OR = 1.56) patients had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) higher odds of experiencing violent TBI compared to Whites. In addition, females (OR = 0.40), children (OR = 0.75) and older adults (OR = 0.17) had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower odds of violent TBI.

Conclusions: Providers of Native American and Black patients who have experienced violence should encourage them to receive assessments and treatment for TBI.

• Adult
• black
• children
• Native American
• traumatic brain injury
• violent

Acknowledgements

The de-identified data used in this analysis were provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical Systems and Trauma System.