Characteristics and Health Outcomes of Post-9/11 Caregivers of US Service Members and Veterans Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Issue 2 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brickell, Tracey A.; French, Louis M.; Lippa, Sara M.; Lange, Rael T.
• Other Names: Moy Martin Elisabeth M. section editor.; Schwab Karen section editor.; Malik Saafan section editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of head trauma rehabilitation. Volume 33:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: caregiver -- polytrauma -- posttraumatic stress -- service member -- traumatic brain injury -- Veteran; Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Periodicals; 617.4810443
• DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000384
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9701

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To ( a ) characterize a sample of post-9/11 caregivers providing help to service members and veterans (SMV) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), ( b ) examine the level of support provided, and ( c ) determine caregiver health and well-being outcomes. Setting: Military treatment facility. Participants: Caregivers ( N = 278) of SMVs who sustained a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI (96.0% female; 86.0% spouse/partner; age: M = 38.7 years, SD = 10.4). Participants were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the level of support provided (low, medium, high). Design: Prospective observational. Main Measures: Caregiver Appraisal Scale, SF-36v2 Health Survey, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4, Caregiver Questionnaire. Results: The majority of caregivers were helping an SMV with mild TBI and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder/depression, who was injured in a blast-related incident during combat. Caregivers helped predominantly with activities of daily living and/or instrumental activities of daily living and spent more than 40 hours per week providing care. High-support caregivers were more likely to be caring for an SMV with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder, report poor physical and mental health outcomes, and have a negative impact on employment and finances. Conclusions: A better understanding of protective factors is required to ensure that burden of care does not exceed the caregiver's health and financial capacity, or undermine the care, well-being, and recovery of the SMV.