P0504 / #2143: COMMUNITY INTEGRATION OUTCOME IN ADOLESCENTS AFTER BURN INJURY: A BURN MODEL SYSTEMS STUDY

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: Some adult burn survivors experience improvement from baseline after injury in their overall functioning. One major factor associated with this improvement is community integration. Little is known about the trajectory of community integration and how it relates to other outcomes in adolescent survivors of severe burns. Methods: Using the Burn Model Systems (BMS) database, we identified adolescents with severe burn injuries from 2006-2020 with follow-up data at six and 12 months after discharge. We derived baseline community integration groups from the distribution of baseline community integration questionnaire (CIQ) scores. Using regression models, we identified factors associated with CIQ score over time and assessed the association between CIQ score and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Other outcome measurements of interest were compared across baseline CIQ groups using ANOVA analysis and Wilcoxon tests for trend. Results: The primary predictor of CIQ score after discharge was baseline CIQ score. On average, CIQ score declined at 6 months, improved by 1 year, and recovered by 2 years post-discharge. This pattern differed by race. Lower community integration at baseline, but not at 6 months, was associated with more anxiety, depression, and pain interference as well as poorer peer relationships. There was a curvilinear relationship for PTSD and linear relationship for PTG. Conclusions: Community integration is a baseline characteristic that is associated with outcomes for adolescent survivors of severe burns. Individuals who are socially isolated at baseline have sustained low community integration, are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes, and are less likely to experience post-traumatic growth.