Investigation of the Impact of Living Cost on the Quality of Life of Patients with Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL) due to its physical, cognitive, and psychological consequences. Despite increasing TBI incidents, advancements in medical care have improved survival rates, raising the need to understand the economic burden and its impact on QoL.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the impact of living cost on the QoL of patients with moderate and severe TBI.

METHOD: The study involved patients aged 18-70 years hospitalized at the General Hospital KAT in Athens, Greece, with moderate and severe TBI. QoL was measured using the Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36) questionnaire, while living cost were assessed using a specialized questionnaire. Data were collected upon hospital discharge, at 6 months, and at 12 months postdischarge.

RESULTS

The study included 50 patients with a mean age of 37.80 ± 8.16 years; 64% had moderate TBI, and 36% had severe TBI. The SF-36 scores indicated significantly lower QoL for patients with severe TBI. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between higher monthly family income and better QoL (p < 0.05). The average total rehabilitation cost in the first 6 months post discharge was €2338.80 ± 282.14, and the total financial loss per household was €4392.80 ± 652.39. Higher rehabilitation costs were associated with lower QoL scores, particularly in mental health and social functioning dimensions.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the substantial economic burden of TBI rehabilitation and its negative impact on QoL. Financial stability and injury severity are critical factors influencing patients' recovery and well-being. Comprehensive support systems addressing both financial and healthcare needs are essential to enhance the QoL of TBI patients.