Factors Associated with Quality of Life in Adults with Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: To assess demographic, clinical, and injury characteristics associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Methods: Adults with PPCS presenting to a specialized brain injury clinic completed demographic, injury, and clinical outcome questionnaires at the initial clinic assessment. Clinical outcome measures were collected including the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). HRQOL was measured using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire. Stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, and months since injury was used to determine associations between quality of life and clinical outcome measures. Results: Overall, 125 participants were included. The PHQ-9, FSS, and GAD-7 were significant predictors of QOLIBRI scores (R2 = 0.481, p