Social Determinants of Health Influence on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptom Burden

Abstract

Record ID: 211

Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Podium

Abstract: Following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), defined by the Glasgow Coma Scale (score of 13-15) 10-20% of patients have declines in quality of life due to persisting symptoms and cognitive deficits. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are environmental conditions that play a significant role in mTBI recovery. Determinants include economic stability, education access, age, sex, health insurance, and race/ethnicity. Acknowledging and addressing SDOH is important for improving the recovery of those who experience mTBI. The self-reported Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is used to measure the severity of 16 symptoms after mTBI. We hypothesized that patients with greater SDOH risk factors would have higher RPQ scores after mTBI. Patients at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center were evaluated by hospital personnel and diagnosed with mTBI. Approximately 2-3 weeks after being discharged from the hospital patients completed the RPQ during a mTBI clinic visit. SDOH measures we investigated included ETOH use, insurance status, and race. Data was collected and analyzed using REDCap. The average RPQ score was 20.48 (n=232, SD=14.44), 38% scored ≥24, indicating higher symptom burden compared to 62% that scored <24. Those with high RPQ scores (n=88) had 11.2% alcohol use compared to 32.6% with low RPQ scores (n=144). 72.3% of high RPQ scorers had Medicare or Medicaid insurance (vs. 65.4%), and 15.9% were Black or Hispanic (vs. 11.8%). These preliminary results suggest differences in SDOH factors may contribute to post-mTBI symptom burden and further research is underway to determine the influence of SDOH on mTBI recovery.