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Prevalence and correlates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults: results from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2017

Laxman Cetty ,
Edimansyah Abdin ,
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar ,
Anitha Jeyagurunathan ,
Boon Yiang Chua ,
Louisa Picco ,
Martin Prince ,
Siow Ann Chong  and
Mythily Subramaniam
Laxman Cetty*
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Edimansyah Abdin
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Anitha Jeyagurunathan
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Boon Yiang Chua
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Louisa Picco
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Martin Prince
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
Siow Ann Chong
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Mythily Subramaniam
Affiliation:
Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Laxman Cetty, Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore. Phone: (65) 6389 3698. Email: laxman_cetty@imh.com.sg.
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Abstract

Background:

Older adults are among the most susceptible to sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aimed to determine the (1) prevalence of TBI among older adults in Singapore, and (2) socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical correlates of TBI.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the cross-sectional, Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study. The study included 2,565 participants aged 60 years and above (Mean = 72.75, SD = 9.54). Information on TBI, socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors were collected using participant self-report and verified with the informant report where necessary. Disability was measured using the World Health Organization – Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHO-DAS 2.0). Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The prevalence of TBI was 3.6%. Being female (vs. male) was found to be associated with decreased odds of having TBI. Having completed secondary education or lower (vs. tertiary education) was found to be associated with increased odds of having TBI. A history of fainting and diabetes were associated with the presence of TBI. Those with TBI were associated with higher disability scores on the WHO-DAS 2.0 than those without TBI.

Conclusions:

The current study provides information on the prevalence and associated factors of TBI in the older adult population in Singapore. Since TBI was associated with older adults with diabetes, they must be cautioned about fall risk. Also, given the association with disability, older adults with TBI are likely to require support and rehabilitative care to ensure good quality of life.

Keywords

traumatic brain injurydiabetesdisabilityfallsepidemiology
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 29 , Issue 11 , November 2017 , pp. 1899 - 1907
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2017 

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