Reliability and predictive validity of the Ohio State University TBI identification method with prisoners.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the psychometric properties of indices of lifetime exposure to traumatic brain injury (TBI) among prisoners.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience samples recruited from male (N = 105) and female (N = 105) state prison facilities.

DESIGN

Assess test/retest reliability and criterion-related validity.

PRIMARY MEASURES

Summary indices of the number, severity, timing, and effects of lifetime exposure to TBI calculated from data elicited via a structured interview.

RESULTS

Test/retest reliability ranged from acceptable to high. Factor analysis showed that indices of lifetime exposure could be characterized by (1) age of onset (especially childhood onset), (2) combinations of number and likely severity of injuries, and (3) number of symptoms and functional effects. Age at injury, number of TBIs with loss of consciousness, and symptoms persisting contributed independently to the prediction of common cognitive and behavioral consequences of TBI.

CONCLUSION

These results provide further support for the reliability and validity of summary indices of lifetime exposure to TBI when elicited via a structured interview.