Traumatic brain injury among men in an urban homeless shelter: observational study of rates and mechanisms of injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little empiric research has investigated the interrelationship between homelessness and traumatic brain injury. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate, mechanisms and associated outcomes of traumatic brain injury among men in an urban homeless shelter.

Methods

We recruited participants from an urban men's shelter in Toronto, Ontario. Researchers administered the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire, a semistructured interview screening tool for brain injury. Demographic information and detailed histories of brain injuries were obtained. Participants with positive and negative screening results were compared, and the rates and mechanisms of injury were analyzed by age group.

Results

A total of 111 men (mean age 54.2 ± standard deviation 11.5

SUBMITTER: Topolovec-Vranic J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4084748 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature