Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury With Loss of Consciousness and the Likelihood for Lifetime Depression and Risk Behaviors: 2017 BRFSS North Carolina

Objective: Because of the growing concern about the potential effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on a child's developing brain and the potential impact of lifetime depression and risk behaviors associated with TBI, further exploration is warranted. Setting and Participants: Data (N = 4917) from the 2017 North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS). Design: Cross-sectional. Main Measures: Examine whether a lifetime history of TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC) or having a history of TBI with LOC prior to 18 years of age was associated with a greater likelihood of lifetime depression, current binge drinking, and current cigarette and e-cigarette smoking. Results: Respondents with a history of TBI with LOC had 2.1 (95% CI, 1.6-2.8) times higher odds of lifetime depression and 1.7 to 1.8 (95% CI, 1.02-2.97) times higher odds of all risk behaviors than those without a lifetime history of TBI with LOC. There were no statistical differences between age of first TBI with LOC and lifetime depression, binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and e-cigarette use after controlling for key demographics. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness among healthcare providers of the prevalence of lifetime depression and risk behaviors among individuals with a history of TBI and the need for improved screening and referrals to evidence-based services.

Automated summary

A study of 4917 participants found that individuals with a history of TBI are more likely to experience lifetime depression and engage in risk behaviors. This highlights the importance of increasing awareness among healthcare providers about the prevalence of depression and risk behaviors in individuals with a history of TBI.