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Traumatic Brain Injury Among Mothers Identified as Having a High Risk of Child Maltreatment: A Pilot Study

  • RISK FACTORS FOR PERPETRATORS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AND ABUSE
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Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently and may result in deficits in concentration, fatigue, attention, aggression and emotion regulation; significantly impacting an individual’s ability to function. This study examined reports of TBI among mothers identified as having high risk for child abuse/maltreatment. Participants were 206 Mothers referred to a child abuse prevention programme (The Family Help Trust, Christchurch, New Zealand) between 2003 and 2010 (n = 206); TBI prevalence of 36.4 % (n = 75). One-third had experienced multiple TBI (n = 24), and 58.7 % (n = 44) of those reporting TBI had experienced their first injury prior to age 16. TBI in at-risk mothers was more than three times the TBI found in community samples, with many injuries occurring in childhood. Given the increased prevalence of TBI among mothers at high risk of child abuse, there is a need for greater information regarding the long-term outcomes of TBI, particularly for vulnerable groups requiring assistance to manage life roles.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Building 17, Clayton Campus, Victoria, 3800, Australia

    Audrey McKinlay

  2. University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Audrey McKinlay, Cora van Vliet-Ruissen & Annabel Taylor

Authors
  1. Audrey McKinlay
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  2. Cora van Vliet-Ruissen
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  3. Annabel Taylor
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Audrey McKinlay.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Questions used by the interviewer to elicit information regarding history of traumatic brain injury, mode of injury and treatment.

  1. 1.

    Up to (enter month of initial assessment) last year/earlier this year, have you had, or been told that you’ve had a head injury, and/or concussion?

    1. a.

      If Yes: Please describe the cause of the head injury, – for example, from a car accident, a fight etc.

  2. 2.

    If the mother has received one or more head injury/concussion over their lifetime, enter cause of EACH injury age received the injury.

  3. 3.

    Have you experienced any symptoms or difficulties since receiving the head injury that you think or know are related to receiving the head injury?

    1. a.

      If Yes: what symptoms have you experienced?

  4. 4.

    Up to (enter month of initial assessment) last year/earlier this year, has your head injury been assessed, diagnosed or treated by a doctor or any other health professional?

    1. a.

      If Yes: What assessment, diagnosis and/or treatment did you receive?

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McKinlay, A., van Vliet-Ruissen, C. & Taylor, A. Traumatic Brain Injury Among Mothers Identified as Having a High Risk of Child Maltreatment: A Pilot Study. J Fam Viol 29, 391–395 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9591-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9591-8

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