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Biomedical subjects

Shari L Wade

Publications and source records attributed to Shari L Wade.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

An online family intervention to reduce parental distress following pediatric brain injury.

This study examined whether an online problem-solving intervention could improve parental adjustment following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Families of children with moderate-to-severe TBI were recruited from the trauma registry of a large children's hospital and randomly assigned to receive online family problem solving therapy (FPS; n = 20) or Internet resources (IRC; n = 20) in addition to usual care. The FPS group reported significantly less global distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety at follow-up than did the IRC group after controlling for baseline symptoms. The FPS group also reported significant improvements in problem-solving skills, although the groups did not differ significantly at follow-up. Findings suggest that an online, skill-building approach can be effective in facilitating parental adaptation after TBI.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Long-term parental and family adaptation following pediatric brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether parents of children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) report increased injury-related burden, distress, and family dysfunction and to examine the effects of attrition on the results. METHODS: Children with severe TBI, moderate TBI, and orthopedic injuries were followed at six time points from baseline to 6 years after injury. Parents completed measures of injury-related burden, psychological distress, and family functioning at each assessment. Mixed model analysis was used to examine long-term changes. RESULTS: Attrition was higher among families in the severe TBI group with lower burden thereby amplifying group differences. The severe TBI group reported higher injury-related burden over time after injury than the other groups. Family functioning was moderated by social resources. Families of children with severe TBI and low resources reporting deteriorating functioning over the follow-up interval. CONCLUSIONS: Although environmental advantages moderate long-term effects on family functioning, families of children with severe TBI experience long-standing injury-related burden.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Putting the pieces together: preliminary efficacy of a web-based family intervention for children with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To report preliminary efficacy data from a Web-based family problem-solving intervention to improve parent and child adaptation. METHOD: Eight parents and six children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were injured more than 15 months earlier (M = 16 months) participated in the intervention. Families were given computers, Web cameras, and high-speed Internet access. Weekly videoconferences with the therapist were conducted after they completed self-guided Web exercises on problem-solving, communication, and antecedent behavior management strategies. RESULTS: Paired t tests comparing pre- and post-intervention scores revealed significant improvements in injury-related burden, parental psychiatric symptoms, depression, and parenting stress. There were also significant reductions in antisocial behaviors in the injured child, but not in self-reported depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a computer-based intervention may successfully be used to improve both parent and child outcomes following TBI in children.

Adolescent↗

Short- and long-term social outcomes following pediatric traumatic brain injury.

The social outcomes of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) were examined in a prospective, longitudinal study that included 53 children with severe TBI, 56 with moderate TBI, and 80 with orthopedic injuries, recruited between 6 and 12 years of age. Child and family functioning were assessed at baseline, at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, and at an extended follow-up a mean of 4 years post injury. Growth curve analyses revealed that pediatric TBI yields negative social outcomes that are exacerbated by family environments characterized by lower socioeconomic status, fewer family resources, and poorer family functioning. After controlling for group membership, age, race, socioeconomic status, and IQ, path analyses indicated that long-term social outcomes were accounted for in part by specific neurocognitive skills, including executive functions and pragmatic language, and by social problem-solving. Deficits in these domains among children with TBI are likely to reflect damage to a network of brain regions that have been implicated in social cognition.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Interpersonal stressors and resources as predictors of parental adaptation following pediatric traumatic injury.

The authors examined the relationship of preinjury interpersonal resources and stressors to parental adaptation following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic injury. Parents of children with severe TBI (n = 53), moderate TBI (n = 56), and orthopedic injuries (n = 80) were assessed soon after injury, 6 and 12 months after the initial evaluation, and at an extended follow-up with a mean of 4 years postinjury. General linear model analyses provide support for both main and moderating effects of stressors and resources on parental adjustment. Support from friends and spouse was associated with less psychological distress, whereas family and spouse stressors were associated with greater distress. The results also reveal a marked decline in injury-related stress over follow-up for families in the severe TBI group who reported a combination of high stressors and high resources. The decline suggests that interpersonal resources attenuated long-term family burden because of severe TBI. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for intervention following TBI.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

A web-based family problem-solving intervention for families of children with traumatic brain injury.

We developed a Web-based intervention for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examined its feasibility for participants with limited computer experience. Six families, including parents, siblings, and children with TBI, were given computers, Web cameras, and high-speed Internet access. Weekly videoconferences with the therapist were conducted after participants completed on-line interactive experiences on problem solving, communication, and TBI-specific behavior management. Families were assigned to videoconference with NetMeeting (iBOT cameras) or ViaVideo. Participants ranked the Web site and videoconferences as moderately to very easy to use. ViaVideo participants rated videoconferencing significantly more favorably relative to face-to-face meetings than did NetMeeting participants. Both the Web site and videoconferencing were rated as very helpful. All families demonstrated improved outcomes on one or more target behaviors, including increased understanding of the injury and improved parent-child relationships. All parents and siblings and all but 1 child with TBI said they would recommend the program to others. We conclude that a face-to-face intervention can be successfully adapted to the Web for families with varied computer experience.

Adolescent↗

Long-term behavior problems following pediatric traumatic brain injury: prevalence, predictors, and correlates.

OBJECTIVE: To study identified rates of long-term behavior problems in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to children with only orthopedic injuries and risk factors and correlates for new behavior problems following TBI. METHODS: Sample included children with severe TBI (n = 42), moderate TBI (n = 41), and orthopedic injuries only (ORTHO;n = 50). The baseline assessment measured child behavior, adaptation, and neuropsychological, academic, and family functioning. Follow-ups were conducted at 6 and 12 months and at an extended follow-up a mean of 4 years after injury. RESULTS: The prevalence of caseness, defined as elevated behavior problem ratings, was higher in one or both TBI groups than in the ORTHO group at each follow-up (e.g., 36% of severe TBI group, 22% of moderate TBI group, and 10% of ORTHO group at extended follow-up). Most instances of postinjury-onset caseness at the extended follow-up were evident within the first year after TBI. Predictors were severe TBI, socioeconomic disadvantage, and preinjury behavioral concerns. Concurrent correlates included weakness in working memory and adaptive behavior skills, poorer behavior and school competence, and adverse family outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Postinjury-onset caseness is persistent, risks are multifactorial, and correlates include child dysfunction and family sequelae.

Brain Injuries↗

Sibling relationships and behavior after pediatric traumatic brain injury.

To evaluate long-term outcomes for siblings of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), measures of sibling relationships and sibling behavior were collected an average of 4 years postinjury. The study sample included participants in a larger longitudinal study who had school-aged siblings, including 34 with severe TBI, 30 with moderate TBI, and 39 with orthopedic injuries not involving brain insult (ORTHO group). Group comparisons revealed more negative sibling relationships in families of children with TBI than in families of children in the ORTHO group, but only for mixed-gender sibling pairings. Behavior problems in children with TBI predicted both sibling relationships and sibling behavior problems. The findings indicate a need to monitor the adjustment of siblings and sibling relationships after TBI and to include siblings in family interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

A prospective study of short- and long-term outcomes after traumatic brain injury in children: behavior and achievement.

Longitudinal behavior and achievement outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated in 53 children with severe TBI, 56 children with moderate TBI, and 80 children with orthopedic injuries not involving brain insult. Measures of preinjury child and family status and of postinjury achievement skills were administered shortly after injury. Assessments were repeated 3 times across a mean follow-up interval of 4 years. Results from mixed model analysis revealed persisting sequelae of TBI. Recovery of math skills was observed in the severe TBI group but only for children from less stressed families. Social disadvantage in children with TBI predicted more adverse behavioral sequelae and less favorable changes in some outcome measures. The findings suggest that pediatric TBI has long-term effects on behavior and achievement but that postinjury progress is influenced by the family environment.

Achievement↗

A prospective study of short- and long-term neuropsychological outcomes after traumatic brain injury in children.

Longitudinal neuropsychological outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated in 53 children with severe TBI, 56 children with moderate TBI, and 80 children with orthopedic injuries only. Neuropsychological functioning was assessed at baseline, at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, and at an extended follow-up (a mean of 4 years postinjury). Mixed model analyses revealed persistent neuropsychological sequelae of TBI that generally did not vary as a function of time postinjury. Some recovery occurred during the first year postinjury, but recovery reached a plateau after that time, and deficits were still apparent at the extended follow-up. Further recovery was uncommon after the first year postinjury. Family factors did not moderate neuropsychological outcomes, despite their demonstrated influence on behavior and academic achievement after childhood TBI.

Brain Injuries↗

Race as a moderator of parent and family outcomes following pediatric traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To use data from a prospective, longitudinal study to determine whether race moderates parent and family outcomes during the first year following pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBI). METHOD: Participants included 73 white and 18 black children with moderate to severe TBI and their families, and 32 white and 23 black children with orthopedic injuries only (OI) and their families. Assessments of parent and family functioning occurred shortly after injury (baseline) and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Race was a significant moderator of group differences in parental psychological distress and perceived family burden, by and large independent of socioeconomic status. The negative consequences of TBI were relatively less pronounced for parents of black children than for parents of white children at baseline, but became more pronounced at the two follow-ups. Black and white parents differed in preferred coping strategies, which may partially account for their different reactions to their children's injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The sociocultural factors associated with race may moderate the effects of pediatric TBI and OI on parents and families.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

A prospective study of long-term caregiver and family adaptation following brain injury in children.

OBJECTIVE: We examined long-term differences in family adaptation following traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and orthopedic injuries. DESIGN: Families of children with severe TBI (n = 53), moderate TBI (n = 56), and orthopedic injuries (n = 80) were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post injury and at an extended follow-up an average of 4.1 years post injury. Caregiver and family outcomes were examined using mixed model analysis. RESULTS: Patterns of adaptation over time varied across groups but indicated long-standing injury-related stress and burden in the severe TBI group. CONCLUSIONS: Severe TBI results in persistent caregiver stress for a substantial proportion of families.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents after traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Relatively little is known about the longer-term impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on children's daily functioning, especially the broader outcome domain referred to as health-related quality of life (HRQL). The objective of the present study was to examine the nature and predictors of HRQL outcomes in children with moderate to severe TBI an average of 4 years postinjury. METHODS: The study used a concurrent cohort-prospective design involving postinjury assessments of 3 groups of traumatically injured children and their families including 42 with severe TBI, 42 with moderate TBI, and 50 with orthopedic injuries only. Parent and child perceptions of HRQL and child adaptive behavior measures were obtained along with parent descriptions of the child's health problems and use of medical and mental health services. Predictors included indices of injury severity, social factors, and ratings of preinjury child behavior problems and school performance. RESULTS: Based on parent report, adolescents who sustained severe TBI had lower HRQL related to overall psychosocial functioning and in the domains of behavior, mental health, general health, and family impact than adolescents who sustained orthopedic injuries only. Communication skills, daily living skills, and general adaptive functioning also were rated lower in the severe TBI group. In contrast to parent reports, adolescents with severe TBI did not rate their HRQL in most domains differently than did adolescents with orthopedic injuries. There were no group differences in frequency of persistent physical limitations. Sixty-seven percent of families of children with severe TBI used mental health counseling at some point after the injury. Risks for poorer HRQL outcomes were related to family social disadvantage and poorer preinjury child behavioral and academic functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the importance of using comprehensive measures of HRQL, along with traditional indicators of functional outcomes, when evaluating the longer-term impact of injuries in children. Identification of predictors suggests the need for close monitoring and intervention of high-risk children.

Adolescent↗

Relationship of adherence to pediatric asthma morbidity among inner-city children.

OBJECTIVES: Morbidity from asthma among children is one of the most important US health concerns. This study examines the relationship of baseline nonadherence to subsequent asthma morbidity among inner-city children. METHODS: A multisite, prospective, longitudinal panel study was conducted of 1199 children who were aged 4 to 9 years and had asthma and their caregivers, most of whom were parents, in emergency departments and clinics at 8 research centers in 7 US metropolitan inner-city areas. Nine morbidity indicators were collected at 3, 6, and 9 months after baseline, including hospitalizations, unscheduled visits, days of wheeze/cough, and days of reduced activities. RESULTS: Children whose caregivers scored high on a new measure, Admitted Nonadherence, experienced significantly worse morbidity on 8 of the 9 measures. Children who scored high on a new Risk for Nonadherence measure experienced significantly worse morbidity on all 9 morbidity measures. Multiple and logistic regressions found that the adherence measures had independent significant effects on morbidity. Combining the measures improved estimates of morbidity: children whose caregivers were poor on either adherence measure had worse morbidity than those with good adherence on both, eg, rate of hospitalization was twice as high, they missed more than twice as much school, had poorer overall functioning, and experienced more days of wheezing and more restricted days of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Risk for Nonadherence and Admitted Nonadherence independently and jointly predicted subsequent asthma morbidity. Targeting risks for nonadherence may be an effective intervention strategy. Most risks can be controlled by physicians through reducing the complexity of asthma regimens, communicating effectively with caregivers about medication use, and correcting family misconceptions about asthma medication side effects.

Adult↗

Parent-adolescent interactions after traumatic brain injury: their relationship to family adaptation and adolescent adjustment.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in parent-adolescent interactions after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their relationship to parent and adolescent adjustment. DESIGN: Concurrent cohort, cross-sectional study. Analysis of variance was used to examine group differences and regression analysis to assess associations between interactional measures and concurrent adjustment. SETTING: Four hospitals in north-central Ohio. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents with severe TBI (25), moderate TBI (22), and orthopedic injuries (35) and their parents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Observer ratings of parent-adolescent interactions, Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), Family Burden of Injury Interview (FBII), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Family Assessment Device (FAD), Child Behavior Checklist, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and Children's Depression Inventory. RESULTS: No group differences were found on ratings of parent-adolescent interaction or the parent or child CBQ. However, observed criticism/coldness and self-rated conflict had stronger associations with the FBII, BSI, and FAD in the severe TBI group than in the orthopedic injury group, suggesting that conflict is more disruptive after TBI. Ratings of criticism/coldness and parent and adolescent CBQ scores were also associated with parent and adolescent adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the utility of observational measures in assessing dyadic interactions after TBI.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Putting the pieces together: preliminary efficacy of a family problem-solving intervention for children with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a family-centered problem-solving intervention (FPS) for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to assess the efficacy of the intervention in a randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Families of 32 school-aged children with moderate to severe TBI randomly assigned to FPS or usual care (UC) group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Child Behavior Checklist, Brief Symptom Inventory, Conflict Behavior Questionnaire. INTERVENTION: Seven-session problem-solving/skill-building intervention delivered over a 6-month period for the participating families. RESULTS: Parents in the FPS group reported significantly greater improvements in their children in internalizing symptoms, anxiety/depression, and withdrawal than did parents in the UC comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: FPS holds promise for reducing child behavior problems, the most common and persistent sequelae of TBI.

Adolescent↗