Prevalence of aggression in patients post traumatic brain injury taking treatment at Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi

Abstract

Background of the study: Traumatic Brain Injury is a health problem occurring equally globally. About 40% of traumatic brain injury victims suffer from various psychiatric disorders and adverse cognitive and emotional effects which may affect the outcome of treatment from complete recovery to permanent disability. Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of aggression and its correlates among patients post traumatic brain injury seeking treatment from Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done on patients post taking follow up treatment. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ethics Committee, AIIMS. Results: Most of the patients post-TBI were male. The prevalence of aggression among patients post TBI was found to be 55%. Occurrence of aggression was associated with use of tobacco (p=0.04) by patients, and was not found to be associated with duration of injury. Conclusion: The post-TBI patients are at a high risk of developing aggression and use of tobacco can put the patients at a higher risk of developing aggression post TBI. Thus nurses need to emphasize on management of aggressive behavior and also train patients in social skills, when patients visit follow up clinic for rehabilitation.