Comparing prevalence estimates of concussion/head injury in U.S. children and adolescents in national surveys.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Reports on pediatric lifetime concussions/head injuries (LCHI) from national surveys have offered estimates on prevalence that range from 2.5% to 18% in the general population. The purpose of this study is to examine national surveys to compare methodologies and limitations pertaining to LCHI data collection.

METHODS

Three nationally representative surveys that measure LCHI in children, including the National Survey of Children's Health, the National Health Interview Survey, and the Monitoring the Future Survey were examined. Children were grouped by ages 3-17 years and adolescent ages 13-17 years, stratified by selected demographic characteristics. Participants in the surveys included parents (NSCH and NHIS) and adolescents (MTF survey). The primary outcome measure is an estimate of LCHI in children.

RESULTS

Estimates of prevalence of LCHI ranged from 3.6% to 7.0% for children ages 3-17 years and from 6.5% to 18.3% for adolescents 13-17 years. Survey modality, question wording, and respondent may contribute to differing estimates. Prevalence showed consistent variation by age, sex, and race/ethnicity across surveys. Associations were inconsistent between LCHI and insurance status, parental education, and household primary language.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are methodological differences in capturing pediatric LCHI across surveys, the prevalence estimates and correlational associations generated can offer awareness about the burden of these injuries and insights to research and clinical care.