Multi-level modelling of employment probability trajectories and employment stability at 1, 2 and 5 years after traumatic brain injury

Brain Inj. 2014;28(7):980-6. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2014.888770. Epub 2014 Mar 21.

Abstract

Primary objectives: To examine trajectories of employment probability and stability over the first 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) by using multi-level modelling and multinomial logistic regressions.

Research design: A longitudinal cohort study.

Methods and procedures: One hundred and five individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI who had been admitted to the Trauma Referral Centre for the Southeast region of Norway were followed up at 1, 2 and 5 years after the injury.

Main outcomes and results: Employment status was dichotomized into employed and unemployed, while employment stability was categorized into stably employed, unstably employed and unemployed at 1, 2 and 5 years after injury. Being single, unemployment prior to injury, blue collar occupation, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital admission and greater length of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) were significantly associated with being unemployed at 1, 2 and 5 years post-injury. Further, younger patients, those with a lower GCS, greater length of PTA and greater length of hospital stay were negatively associated with employment stability.

Conclusions: It could be wise to target patient population with these demographic and injury characteristics for more extensive follow-ups and vocational rehabilitation to help improve employment outcomes following injury.

Keywords: Employment trajectories; job stability; prospective study; return to work; traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Brain Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data*
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Odds Ratio
  • Probability
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational*
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Unemployment