The psychosocial characteristics and needs of patients presenting with orofacial injury

Abstract

Individuals with orofacial injury presenting to urban trauma centers in the United States tend to be disproportionately socioeconomically disadvantaged, young, adult, ethnic minority men. Most injuries are assaultive in origin, suggesting poor impulse control and maladaptive social behaviors. Compared with matched control populations, patients with orofacial injuries are more likely to report higher levels of substance use behaviors and to manifest greater levels of hostility, anxiety, and depression. Although they have significantly greater current and lifetime need for mental health service and social service, actual use of social services is low. The underlying psychosocial characteristics of many patients with orofacial injury, along with unmet service needs, render them vulnerable for posttrauma psychological sequelae and may compromise functional outcomes and recovery.