Health-related quality-of-life and life satisfaction 6-15 years after traumatic brain injuries in northern Sweden

Objective: To describe health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction many years after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess possible associations with variables related to the time of injury and follow-up and the individuals' self-appraisal of the impact of the TBI. Method: Sixty-seven individuals (18-65 years), on average 10 years post-injury, were interviewed. Data on HRQoL, using the SF-36 questionnaire, were compared with a Swedish age-and sex-matched reference sample, and life satisfaction, using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), were compared with a nationwide Swedish sample of students. The participant's self-appraisal of the TBI was assessed with two supplementary questions. Data were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results: HRQoL as well as life satisfaction were lower compared with the reference samples. From the regression analyses, the individuals' own appraisal of the impact of the TBI and whether they were vocationally productive or not were strongly associated with their current physical health and life satisfaction. Conclusion: These results confirm the importance of TBI as a cause of long-term disability and the impact of the injury on the individuals' self-perceived values of health, quality-of-life and life satisfaction.