Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76521

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 32, 4, 234-244

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study explored the stability of relationships and predictors of change in relationship status for service members and veterans 2 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI)/polytrauma. Participants were 357 active duty service members and veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers TBI Model Systems database with complete marital status information at 2 years postinjury. Relationship status change was defined as change in marital status (single/never married; married; divorced/separated) at 2-year follow-up, compared with status at enrollment. At the time of enrollment, 134 participants (38 percent) were single/never married; 151 (42 percent) were married, and 72 (20 percent) were divorced/separated. Of those married at enrollment, 78 percent remained married at year 2 while 22 percent underwent negative change. Multivariable analyses revealed that age and education at the time of injury and mental health utilization prior to injury were significant predictors of relationship change. Among those who were single/divorced/separated at the time of enrollment, 87 percent remained so at year 2 while 13 percent underwent positive change. Injury during deployment significantly predicted positive relationship change.

Author(s):


Stevens, Lillian F., Lapis, Yanna, Tang, Xinyu, Sander, Angelle M., Dreer, Laura E., Hammond, Flora M., Kreutzer, Jeffrey S., O'Neil-Pirozzi, Therese M., Nakase-Richardson, Risa