Predicting the Quality of Life of Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study Based on Psychological Variables

Recognizing the factors related to psychological disorders such as depression, stress, anxiety, and other related problems in a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can be helpful in designing more effective treatment protocols. This study aimed at examining the effect of some prevalent psychological issues on predicting the quality of life of the MTBI patients.

In this descriptive correlational study, 322 MTBI patients (mean age, 38.8 ± 10.8 years) who had admitted to the emergency and neurosurgery departments of Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital during April–July 2017 were selected using the convenient sampling method. Data were collected using the quality of life (WHOQOL‑BREF) questionnaire (as a dependent variable), mental fatigue questionnaire, and depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS‑21). Finally, the data were analyzed in SPSS‑23 by multiple regression analysis.

The results of the study showed that the regression model was significant (P < 0.001), in which 43% of total changes in the quality of life in MTBI patients were predicted by mental fatigue, depression, stress, anxiety, and gender.

The findings of this study show that there is a negative relationship between psychological factors and quality of life among the MBTI patients. Thus, it is suggested to design more specific psychological‑based rehabilitation programs with regard to gender differences to improve the quality of life among these patients after discharging from the hospital.