Preinjury employment status as a risk factor for symptomatology and disability in mild traumatic brain injury: A TRACK-TBI analysis

Background: Preinjury employment status may contribute to disparity, injury risk, and recovery patterns following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

Objective: To characterize associations between preinjury unemployment, prior comorbidities, and outcomes following MTBI.

Methods: MTBI patients from TRACK-TBI Pilot with complete six-month outcomes were extracted. Preinjury unemployment, comorbidities, injury factors, and intracranial pathology were considered. Multivariable regression was performed for employment and outcomes, correcting for demographic and injury factors. Mean-differences (B) and 95% CIs are reported. Statistical significance was assessed at p < 0.05.

Results: 162 MTBI patients were aged 39.8±15.4-years and 24.6% -unemployed. Unemployed patients demonstrated increased psychiatric comorbidities (45.0% -vs.- 23.8%; p = 0.010), drug use (52.5% -vs.- 21.3%; p < 0.001), smoking (62.5% -vs.- 27.0%; p < 0.001), prior TBI (78.4% -vs.- 55.0%; p = 0.012), and lower education (15.0% -vs.- 45.1% college degree; p = 0.003). On multivariable analysis, unemployment associated with decreased six-month functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended: B = - 0.50, 95% CI [- 0.88, - 0.11]), increased psychiatric disturbance (Brief Symptom Inventory-18: B = 6.22 [2.33, 10.10]), postconcussional symptoms (Rivermead Questionnaire: B = 4.91 [0.38, 9.44]), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist-Civilian: B = 5.99 [0.76, 11.22]). No differences were observed for cognitive measures or satisfaction with life.

Conclusions: Unemployed patients are at risk for preinjury psychosocial comorbidities, poorer six-month functional recovery and increased psychiatric/postconcussional/PTSD symptoms. Resource allocation and return precautions should be implemented to mitigate and/or prevent the decline of at-risk patients.