A-48 The Relationship Between Concussion History and Emotional and Behavioral Dyscontrol Domains of Health-Related Quality of Life in College-Aged Individuals

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between concussion history and emotional and behavioral dyscontrol domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in college-aged individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study of individuals ages 18–25 years was conducted. Participants completed demographics, medical history, and the Neuro-QOL Emotional and Behavioral Dyscontrol Short Form (Neuro-QOL). A t-score > 50 on the Neuro-QOL indicated better outcomes for emotional and behavioral dyscontrol. A Mann–Whitney U Test compared scores on the Neuro-QOL between individuals with and without self-reported concussion history. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between concussion history on the probability of higher or lower Neuro-QOL scores. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Two hundred fifty-two participants (155 female; age = 19.95 years; SD = 1.53 years) were included, 76 (30.2%) with concussion history and 176 (69.8%) without concussion history. No significant difference in Neuro-QOL t-scores was noted between groups (concussion history: t = 49.4, SE = 2.4; no concussion history; t = 49.4, SE = 2.4; p = 0.47). Individuals with reported concussion history were 1.16 times more likely to score higher on the Neuro-QOL than those without concussion history when controlling for gender (95% CI [0.66, 2.04]); however, this was not significant (p = 0.61). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that emotional and behavioral dyscontrol domains are not influenced by prior concussion history. Future research should continue to explore HRQoL domains (e.g., physical health, psychological health, social relationships, environment) most impacted by concussion, as well as the influence of prior mental health conditions or behavioral dysfunction following a subsequent injury.