Influence of Foreign Versus US Nativity on the Trajectory of Functional Independence Over the 10 Years After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Model Systems Study.

Objective: Although racial/ethnic disparities have been documented in numerous outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI), research has yet to explore differences in rehabilitation outcomes based upon nativity (foreign-born vs US-born individuals). The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes over the first 10 years after TBI for individuals born in the United States with those who were foreign-born.

Setting/participants: A sample of 10 695 individuals in the TBI Model Systems database with a coding for country of birth the United States ( n = 9435) versus other than the United States ( n = 1260) was used.

Design/main Measures: Outcome measures at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years after TBI included the Motor and Cognitive subscales of the Functional Independence Measure and the Supervision Rating Scale.

Results: Foreign-born individuals exhibited lower motor functional independence trajectories than those born in the United States, even after controlling for demographic and injury-related covariates. However, foreign-born individuals generally showed a stronger upward quadratic trajectory in motor functional independence with the greatest gains between the 5- and 10-year time points, whereas those born in the United States improved more quickly but then plateaued between the 5- and 10-year time points; these differential effects over time dissipated with the addition of demographic and injury-related covariates. Foreign-born individuals also exhibited lower cognitive functional independence trajectories, as well as greater supervision needs trajectories, than those born in the United States, even after controlling for demographic and injury-related covariates.

Conclusion: These findings dovetail with literature suggesting that racially/ethnically diverse groups exhibit reduced functional independence after TBI. The findings may also suggest potential systematic barriers such as healthcare access and language barriers that may influence the frequency, rate, and quality of care received. The results highlight the importance of uncovering cultural distinctions and can aid in facilitating research examining foreign nativity-based disparities following TBI.