New Zealand Caregiver Knowledge of Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury. Issue 1 (10th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Willix-Payne, Dawn; Starkey, Nicola; Jones, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Brain impairment. Volume 21:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2020-03-10
• Subjects: Mild traumatic brain injury, -- concussion, -- knowledge, -- symptoms, -- terminology; Brain Diseases -- Congresses; Brain Diseases -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2019.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1443-9646

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among children. However, their caregivers' knowledge and understanding of symptoms may influence how the injury is managed. Primary objective: To investigate the knowledge of New Zealand (NZ) parents about TBI and concussion. Method and procedures: Parents (n = 205) of children aged 5–13 years completed a pen-and-paper or online survey containing questions examining their knowledge of TBI terminology, TBI symptoms and knowledge about concussion management. Main outcomes and results: A high proportion (61%) of parents did not think that a concussion was the same as a brain injury. Loss of consciousness (LOC) was the most endorsed symptom of TBI. However, 69% of participants were aware that TBI could occur without LOC. On average, parents correctly identified 19.5 (67.3%) of the 29 symptoms of TBI, but also identified 2.0 (11.9%) of the 17 distractor symptoms as being TBI related. Demographic factors and experience of TBI/concussion were associated with TBI symptom identification accuracy and concussion knowledge. Conclusions: Further education of parents is needed to ensure they recognise the signs and symptoms of concussion/mild TBI so that they can make informed decisions on how best to manage their child's injury.