A-68 The Relationship Between Brain Injury And Substance Use Patterns In University Students

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Our prior research has suggested that athletes with history of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are at greater risk of single and polysubstance use. The present study further explored the factors associated with this relationship in a large undergraduate population. Methods 894 university students (44% athletes) completed self-reported TBI history (blows to the head or whiplash causing loss of consciousness or memory, or feeling dazed), substance use (Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Tests (AUDIT; CUDIT)) and psychological measures. Relationships between these factors were examined using linear regression models. Results 200 (22.4%) students reported a history of one or more TBIs (45.63% sport-related). TBI history predicted current cannabis and alcohol use, with those with a history of multiple TBIs reporting more problematic use of each substance (ps<.01) as well as greater polysubstance use (p<.001). Past history of depression predicted more problematic cannabis use (p=.007), while past history of anxiety and depression predicted more problematic alcohol use. When examining multiple factors associated with use, history of TBIs (p=.008) and higher current depression symptoms (p=.006) predicted more problematic cannabis use, whereas for alcohol users, history of TBI and female sex was related to more problematic use (p=.041). Conclusions History of TBI predicts higher levels of substance use and polysubstance use and increased number of TBIs and mental health problems may be related to greater risk of hazardous substance use. Consideration of TBI history is essential for identifying players at risk for engaging in problematic behaviours such as hazardous substance use.