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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research article

Gender differences in self reported long term outcomes following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

Authors: Angela Colantonio, Jocelyn E Harris, Graham Ratcliff, Susan Chase, Kristina Ellis

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

The majority of research on health outcomes after a traumatic brain injury is focused on male participants. Information examining gender differences in health outcomes post traumatic brain injury is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in symptoms reported after a traumatic brain injury and to examine the degree to which these symptoms are problematic in daily functioning.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis of a retrospective cohort study of 306 individuals who sustained a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury 8 to 24 years ago. Data were collected using the Problem Checklist (PCL) from the Head Injury Family Interview (HIFI). Using Bonferroni correction, group differences between women and men were explored using Chi-square and Wilcoxon analysis.

Results

Chi-square analysis by gender revealed that significantly more men reported difficulty setting realistic goals and restlessness whereas significantly more women reported headaches, dizziness and loss of confidence. Wilcoxon analysis by gender revealed that men reported sensitivity to noise and sleep disturbances as significantly more problematic than women, whereas for women, lack of initiative and needing supervision were significantly more problematic in daily functioning.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into gender differences on outcomes after traumatic brain injury. There are significant differences between problems reported by men compared to women. This insight may facilitate health service planners and clinicians when developing programs for individuals with brain injury.
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Metadata
Title
Gender differences in self reported long term outcomes following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
Authors
Angela Colantonio
Jocelyn E Harris
Graham Ratcliff
Susan Chase
Kristina Ellis
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-10-102

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