Quality of Life and Symptom Burden 1 Month After Concussion in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

We conducted a prospective study of children and adolescents (n = 176; mean age = 13.0 ±2.7 years; 38% female) assessed acutely post-concussion and again 30 days later. We investigated the association between symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) outcomes, as well as the effect of age on QOL. We assessed QOL using patient-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0, and symptoms using the Health and Behavior Inventory (HBI). Acute (<2 days post-injury) HBI ratings demonstrated a low correlation ( R² = 0.08) with physical health QOL and a moderate correlation with psychosocial health QOL ( R² = 0.21) 30 days post-concussion. HBI ratings 30 days post-concussion demonstrated a moderately high correlation with physical health QOL ( R² = 0.35) and psychosocial health QOL ( R² = 0.57). Age was not significantly associated with physical or psychosocial QOL ratings. Impairments in QOL following concussion may identify children and adolescents who need additional referral to address persistent symptoms at this time.

Keywords: Health and Behavior Index; adolescent medicine; health-related quality of life; mild traumatic brain injury; pediatric.