Primary objective: The researchers sought to update information about the public's knowledge about brain injury and to document progress made toward correcting misconceptions.
Research design: Survey replication.
Methods and procedures: Three hundred and eighteen respondents from the lay public answered questions about general brain injury knowledge, coma and unconsciousness, memory deficits and brain injury recovery. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences among respondents based on age, gender, education and personal experience with brain injury or brain injury survivors. Findings were also compared with those reported by previous researchers administering similar questionnaires.
Main outcomes and results: Misconceptions persist regarding some brain injury sequelae. Although most respondents knew general information, large numbers reported incorrect beliefs about memory problems, coma and unconsciousness and recovery.
Conclusions: Despite the frequency with which it occurs, the general public persists in holding misconceptions about brain injury. Greater public awareness is necessary to prompt appropriate health care funding and rehabilitative service decisions.