Background: Community integration is considered an ultimate goal for rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Purpose: To determine (a) whether differences exist in rehabilitation outcomes between intentional and unintentional TBI populations and (b) whether TBI from assault is a predictor of community integration following inpatient rehabilitation.
Method: Retrospective cohort study using population-based data from Canadian hospital administration records, 2001 to 2006. Outcome measure was the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI).
Findings: From a sample of 243 persons, 24 (9.9%) had sustained TBI from physical assault. Persons with TBI from physical assault reported significantly lower scores on two items on the RNLI's Daily Functioning subscale: "recreation" and "family role."
Implications: These findings suggest that targeted intervention in these specific areas could be beneficial, which are often primarily addressed by occupational therapists in both inpatient rehabilitation and community settings.