PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Alice Theadom AU - Varsha Parag AU - Tony Dowell AU - Kathryn McPherson AU - Nicola Starkey AU - Suzanne Barker-Collo AU - Kelly Jones AU - Shanthi Ameratunga AU - Valery L Feigin AU - on behalf of the BIONIC Research Group TI - Persistent problems 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal population study in New Zealand AID - 10.3399/bjgp16X683161 DP - 2016 Jan 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - e16--e23 VI - 66 IP - 642 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/66/642/e16.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/66/642/e16.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2016 Jan 01; 66 AB - Background Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common problem in general practice settings, yet previous research does not take into account those who do not attend hospital after injury. This is important as there is evidence that effects may be far from mild.Aim To determine whether people sustain any persistent effects 1 year after mTBI, and to identify the predictors of health outcomes.Design and setting A community-based, longitudinal population study of an mTBI incidence cohort (n = 341) from a mixed urban and rural region (Hamilton and Waikato Districts) of the North Island of New Zealand (NZ).Method Adults (>16 years) completed assessments of cognitive functioning, global functioning, post-concussion symptoms, mood, and quality of life over the year after injury.Results Nearly half of participants (47.9%) reported experiencing four or more post-concussion symptoms 1 year post-injury. Additionally, 10.9% of participants revealed very low cognitive functioning. Levels of anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life were comparable with the general population. Having at least one comorbidity, history of brain injury, living alone, non-white ethnic group, alcohol and medication use, and being female were significant predictors of poorer outcomes at 12 months.Conclusion Although some people make a spontaneous recovery after mTBI, nearly half continue to experience persistent symptoms linked to their injury. Monitoring of recovery from mTBI may be needed and interventions provided for those experiencing persistent difficulties. Demographic factors and medical history should be taken into account in treatment planning.