Investigation of the Impact of Living Costs on the Quality of Life of Patients With Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL) through long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological consequences. Improved survival rates have increased the public health importance of understanding the economic burden of TBI and its impact on QoL. This study aimed to investigate the association between rehabilitation-related living costs and QoL in patients with moderate and severe TBI.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted among adults with moderate and severe TBI hospitalized at General Hospital of Attica "KAT," Athens, Greece. QoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, while household economic burden was evaluated using a structured cost questionnaire. Data were collected at discharge, at six months, and at 12 months post-discharge.

RESULTS

The study included 100 patients (mean age 40.72 ± 10.9 years), of whom 64% had moderate and 36% severe injury. QoL was significantly lower in severe cases at all time points (p < 0.001). Monthly family income showed a positive association with QoL, particularly at six months. The mean rehabilitation cost during the first six months was €4,212.60 ± 307.40. The total 12-month household economic burden reached €9,092.00 ± 5,634.15. Increased economic burden was significantly associated with lower QoL, especially in mental health and social functioning dimensions.

CONCLUSION

TBI imposes a substantial long-term economic and QoL burden. Injury severity and financial resources strongly influence recovery. Integrated health and social support policies are essential to improve long-term outcomes.