Prediction of employment status following traumatic brain injury using a behavioural measure of frontal lobe functioning

Brain Inj. 2002 Dec;16(12):1075-91. doi: 10.1080/02699050210155249.

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether a behavioural measure of frontal lobe functioning, the Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire (BAFQ), could predict employment status following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: A discriminant function analysis was conducted to determine the ability of the BAFQ, along with other factors, to predict occupational status post-injury.

Methods: Sixty-one TBI survivors completed a background information questionnaire, the BAFQ, and an employment status rating scale.

Results: A factor analysis of the BAFQ sub-scales revealed two factors, one related to functioning in the orbitofrontal area, and one related to dorsolateral frontal lobe functioning. These two factors, along with background information, were entered into a discriminant function analysis, revealing a 77.4% accuracy rate in predicting occupational status post-injury.

Conclusions: Demographic variables were found to differentiate employed from unemployed survivors. The BAFQ appeared useful in differentiating survivors who may return to their pre-injury employment level from those who may require modified employment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Child
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Employment*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surveys and Questionnaires