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Meta-Analysis
. 2014 Jul-Aug;39(4):183-91.
doi: 10.1002/rnj.150. Epub 2014 Mar 25.

Obesity, traumatic brain injury, childhood abuse, and suicide attempts in females at risk

Kathleen Brewer-Smyth  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Obesity, traumatic brain injury, childhood abuse, and suicide attempts in females at risk

Kathleen Brewer-Smyth. Rehabil Nurs. 2014 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis that obesity is related to history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), severity and frequency of childhood physical (CPA) and sexual abuse (CSA), and suicide attempts, adjusting for related variables in a high risk female population.

Design: This cross-sectional study of 81 females compared obese to non-obese.

Methods: All variables were verified by private interviews, physical examination, and documented evidence, then statistically analyzed with logistic regression.

Findings: Obesity at the time of interview was related to history of a decreased number of TBIs per person, greater CSA, suicide attempts, and decreased CPA, adjusting for current smoking, depression, currently using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and age.

Conclusions: Number of TBIs per person and CPA were inversely related to obesity, adjusting for related variables. Greater CSA frequency and severity, and having attempted suicide were significantly related to greater risk of obesity, adjusting for related variables. Though causes of obesity cannot be determined by this design, and findings should be viewed with caution, this study provides new insight into the obesity epidemic that requires further investigation.

Clinical relevance: Rehabilitation nurses are in ideal settings when patient's conditions are less acute, providing opportunities to address complex serious underlying etiologies of obesity. Obesity has not been alleviated by teaching about diet and exercise because obesity may be the result of dietary self-medication of pain from previous experiences. CSA is a very serious problem that could precipitate suicide attempts, obesity, and multifaceted poor health outcomes throughout the life span; subsequently placing individuals at greater risk of requiring rehabilitation services.

Keywords: Brain injury; child; child abuse sexual; female; obesity; suicide; trauma; traumatic brain injury.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Theory of the Cycle of Events Contributing to Obesity
Figure 2
Figure 2
Childhood Abuse and BMI
Figure 3
Figure 3
BMI and Suicide Attempts
Figure 4
Figure 4
BMI, Number of TBIs per Person, Number of Suicide Attempts per Person
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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