Adverse outcomes among homeless adolescents and young adults who report a history of traumatic brain injury.

Year: 2015 Source: American Journal of Public Health.(2014).104(10):1986-1992.doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302087 SIEC No: 20150242

We examined the prevalence of self-reported traumatic brain injury (TBI) among homeless young people and explored whether sociodemographic characteristics, mental health diagnoses, substance use, exposure to violence, or difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) were associated with TBI. Of the 2732 participating adolescents and young adults, 43% reported a history of TBI. Participants with TBI became homeless at a younger age and were more likely to report mental health diagnoses, substance use, suicidality, victimization, and difficulties with ADLs. The majority of participants (51%) reported sustaining their first injury prior to becoming homeless or at the same age of their first homeless episode (10%).

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Mackelprang, J.Harpin, S.et al.