Abstract
Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a condition which affects many peopleboth in New Zealand (NZ) and around the world. Recovery from this condition can be a complex process for some, with research showing that a variety of factors may cause persisting symptomatology. One of the covariates which may influence recovery is gender. There is mixed evidence suggesting that gender may influence recovery from mild traumatic brain injury.
Aim: The aim of the current project was to establish whether gender influences mTBI outcomes in a sample from NZ concussion services.
Methods: This is a quantitative project which analyses data collected from a larger study. The main outcome measures were the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment schedule 2.0 (WHODAS) and the Rivermead post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire (RpQ). These measured disability outcomes and symptom experience, respectively. These were measured at an average of seven weeks (Time 1) and 30 weeks (Time 2) post-mTBI.
Results: Gender did not influence the experience of disability or symptoms in this sample. There were no significant differences in the covariates age, education, previous depression or previous TBI between males or females, and none of these covariates significantly influenced the main outcome measures at Time 1 or Time 2.
Conclusion: In this sample from speciality concussion services, gender was not a significant predictor of outcomes following mTBI.