An examination of the relationship between persistent traumatic brain injuries and chronic pain conditions in active-duty and Veteran soldiers: results from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey
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Date
2024-03-20
Authors
Seager, Meredith J.
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Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are highly prevalent among military personnel. TBIs have been shown to be associated with lasting negative physical health, mental health, and psychosocial consequences. Chronic pain is one common comorbidity for those experiencing persistent effects of a TBI. This study examined the relationship between persistent TBI and chronic pain conditions (i.e., arthritis, back problems, gastrointestinal conditions, and migraine headaches) in a Canadian military sample, including potential preinjury characteristics (i.e., sociodemographic and military demographics), mental health disorders (e.g., depression, PTSD) and other biopsychosocial factors (i.e., social support, sleep difficulty), as well as potential moderators (i.e., sex and serving status) that impact this relationship. This study utilized data from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (CAFMVHS) collected in 2018 (n = 2,941). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated arthritis, back problems, migraine headaches, and gastrointestinal conditions to be significantly associated with persistent TBI. Preinjury characteristics (i.e., sociodemographic, and military demographics) associated with comorbid persistent TBI and any chronic pain condition(s) included military rank and serving status. The comorbidity of any mental health disorders was not significantly more associated with persistent TBI and any chronic pain condition(s). Biopsychosocial factors associated with comorbid persistent TBI, and any chronic pain condition(s) included problem-solving coping and sleep difficulties. Findings identify the prevalence of chronic pain conditions among CAF members with persistent TBI and provide further insight potential risk factors that may influence this relationship including military characteristics, mental health disorders, and other biopsychosocial factors.
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Keywords
Traumatic brain injury, Chronic pain, Military health and wellbeing, Biopsychosocial