Traumatic brain injury (TBI) among adolescents has been identified as an important health priority. However, studies of TBI among adolescents in large representative samples are lacking. This information is important to the planning and evaluation of injury prevention efforts, particularly because even minor TBI may have important adverse consequences. The authors describe the prevalence of TBI, mechanisms of in-jury, and adverse correlates in a large representative sample of adolescents living in Ontario, Canada. Methods. Data were derived from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s 2011 Ontario student drug use and health survey, consisting of anonymous, self-administered questionnaires completed in classrooms (62% response rate) by students grades 7-12 (age range: 11-20 years). A complete description of the study, including design and discussion of the validity of self-reports, potential nonresponse bias, and limitations, is available. (Author/publisher)
Abstract