Traumatic Brain Injury and Early Life Experiences Among Men and Women in a Prison Population. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colantonio, Angela; Kim, Hwan; Allen, Stefan; Asbridge, Mark; Petgrave, Josian; Brochu, Serge
• Is Part Of: Journal of correctional health care. Volume 20:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: traumatic brain injury -- prison -- sex differences -- gender differences; Prisoners -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 365.667
• DOI: 10.1177/1078345814541529
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3458

Abstract

This study examined the proportion of men and women reporting previous traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an Ontario (Canada) prison sample by demographic characteristics; adverse life experiences; and criminal, drug, and alcohol use history. Using data from The Cost of Substance Abuse in Canada study based on a random sample from four Ontario prisons, this study found 50.4% of males and 38% of females reporting previous TBI. More TBIs occurred before the first crime for women than for men. Women with TBI experienced more early physical and sexual abuse than those without TBI. Additionally, this study shows high prevalence of early life experiences among persons, particularly women, with a history of TBI. Prisoners and prison staff should be educated on TBI and best practice for rehabilitation of TBI.