Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

A Longitudinal Investigation Examining Predictors of Change in Self-Reported Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In National Guard Veterans of the Iraq War

Kehle-Forbes SM, Erbes CR, Polusny MA. A Longitudinal Investigation Examining Predictors of Change in Self-Reported Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In National Guard Veterans of the Iraq War. Poster session presented at: American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology Annual Meeting; 2012 Jun 20; Seattle, WA.

Related HSR&D Project(s)




Abstract:

Although rates of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) among soldiers of the conflicts in Iraq are presumably very high, prevalence varies significantly across studies. In a longitudinal study of self-reported MTBI in OIF National Guard personnel (Polusny et al., 2011), we surveyed 937 participants at one month before return from Iraq (time 1) and one year after return from deployment (time 2). At Time 1, 9% of respondents endorsed a history of MTBI whereas at Time 2, rates increased to 22%. In this follow-up study, we investigated factors that account for inconsistencies in self-reported MTBI over time. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted using disability claim status, economic distress, PTSD symptoms in Iraq (Time1; PTSD checklist; PCL),PTSD symptoms post deployment (Time 2)and somatic symptoms post deployment (Time 2; Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ) as independent variables. Time 2 PCL (OR = 1.57, p < .001) and Time 2 PHQ (OR = 1.36, p < .02) emerged as the most significant predictors of change in self-reported MTBI status. Among the PCL items, heightened alertness/watchfulness was the most significant PCL predictor of change in self-reported MTBI status. Results suggest that late-stage somatic symptoms and internal hypervigilance impact rates of self-reported MTBI during the post-deployment phase. Misattribution and other cognitive processes that may underlie changes in Time 2 report of MTBI are discussed.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.