Preventive health practices and behavioral risk factors in women surviving traumatic brain injury

Health Care Women Int. 2012;33(7):631-45. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2012.673652.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally and is considered a universal public health concern. Our study addresses a considerable knowledge gap about the health of female survivors of TBI. Using a retrospective cohort study design, we examined behavioral risk factors, access to health screenings, and primary care services among women with a history of moderate to severe TBI. We compared findings with a general female population. Female survivors (n = 75) appeared to have comparable use of primary care services with the general population. Significantly more women reported poor mental health postinjury; reported alcohol consumption was also greater.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Status Indicators*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Philadelphia
  • Preventive Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data