Long-term factor structure of the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire in mild traumatic brain injury and normative sample. (16th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barker-Collo, Suzanne; Theadom, Alice; Starkey, Nicola J; Kahan, Michael; Jones, Kelly; Feigin, Valery
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 33:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 618
• Page End: 622
• Publication Date: 2019-04-16
• Subjects: Post concussion -- Factor structure -- Rivermead Post Concussion Symptom questionnaire; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1570339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Previous studies of the Rivermead Post-Concussive Questionnaire(RPQ)'s factor structure were conducted within 1 year post-injury. Post-concussive symptoms may persist, and are common in the general population, so determining if the factor structure in mild-TBI and controls differ is important. This study examined factor structure of the RPQ in adults 4 years post-mild-TBI and in age-/gender-matched controls. Method : A total of 232 adults 4 years post-mild-TBI and 232 age-/gender-matched controls completed the RPQ. Results : Both samples produced a three-factor solution (57.98% and 56.44% of variance in the RPQ). Factor 1 for both samples included all RPQ items and accounted for the majority of variance explained (42.6% and 40.7%). After mild-TBI factor 2 included dizziness, vomiting/nausea, irritability, and double vision; whilst in controls it involved headache, dizziness, vomiting/nausea, and slowed thinking. Factor 3 for mild-TBI included vomiting/nausea, blurred vision, slowed thinking, and poor memory; while for controls it was restricted to visual symptoms (blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision). Conclusion : The RPQ factor structure was similar for both groups, although differences were identified in lesser factors. This suggests those with mild-TBI differ minimally from matched controls in the very long term after injury.