Efficacy of a group-based education and self-management intervention for people with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To (1) describe compliance (attendance; goal tracking) with the 12-month Brain Health Group (BHG) self-management intervention; (2) examine efficacy of the BHG for improving self-efficacy (primary) and secondary outcomes compared to a time and attention-matched weight-loss intervention; and (3) describe findings from the BHG program evaluation. <h3>Design</h3> Randomized control trial. Participants were randomized to the BHG (n=29), or a weight-loss intervention (n=28). <h3>Setting</h3> Group-based community-setting. <h3>Participants</h3> Participants included 57 English-speaking adults (18-64 years old), who had a moderate to severe TBI, and ≥six months post injury. <h3>Interventions</h3> Brain Health Group. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Outcome data were collected at baseline and 12 months and included self-efficacy (primary), depression, satisfaction with life (SWL), self-rated abilities for health practices (SRAHP), and alcohol use. Additionally, program evaluation was conducted using an Exit Survey at 12 months. <h3>Results</h3> Average attendance was 89% and goal tracking 59%. Within group analysis of the BHG did not show significant change in self-efficacy, depression, SWL, or alcohol use. However, a significant increase in the SRAHP score (mean change = 9.0 (±16.5); Cohen's d effect size = 0.55; p=0.018) was reported. SRAHP domains with an increase were nutrition (mean = 2.5 (± 4.9); d = 0.51; p=0.029), exercise (mean = 2.5 (± 5.8); d = 0.43; p=0.045), and health practices (mean = 2.3 (± 4.6); d=0.50; p=0.024). Participants also perceived the BHG as helpful during the exit interview. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our results suggest that people with TBI can successfully engage in the BHG self-management program and generally perceived the program as helpful in enhancing knowledge about brain health and awareness of how to enhance self-management skills. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The contents of this abstract were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPTB0013). NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this abstract do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.