Factors Associated with Perceived Quality of Life Many Years After Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVES: To explore factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) 8 to 24 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seventy-five individuals who sustained moderate to severe TBI who were discharged from a rehabilitation hospital participated in this study. We interviewed consenting participants up to 24 years after injury. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-rated Quality of Life Scale. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that perceived mental health, self-rated health, gender (women rating QOL higher), participation in work and leisure, and the availability of emotional support were significantly associated with QOL (P <.05). CONCLUSION: The importance of designing ongoing support programs to further reintegrate TBI survivors several years after injury is discussed.