Prevalence and predictors of tobacco smoking in veterans and service members following traumatic brain injury rehabilitation: A VA TBIMS study

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J78891

Journal:

Brain Injury

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2018 , 32, 8, 994-999

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study identified the prevalence and predictors of tobacco smoking among veterans and military service members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted for rehabilitation. Participants were drawn from the Veterans Affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) multicenter longitudinal research study. Tobacco smoking was assessed both preinjury and at 1- or 2-year post-TBI follow-up for 336 participants. Smoking prevalence was 32 percent preinjury and 28 percent at follow-up. Most participants had a stable smoking pattern but 12 percent of preinjury non-smokers became smokers at follow-up. Preinjury smoking was the strongest predictor of post-TBI smoking. Higher cognitive function also predicted smoking at follow-up. In univariate analyses, smoking was predicted by lower education, preinjury mental health history, selected TBI severity metrics, and higher functional status at rehabilitation hospital discharge (Disability Rating Scale and motor subscale of the Functional Independence Measure). Study findings may help clinicians and administrators recognize who is at high risk for smoking following TBI, in order to plan for in-hospital and post-discharge screening and interventions.

Author(s):