Date of Publication

2020

Faculty Mentor

Kelsey Gleason

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between a history of concussions and depressive indicators in high school students.

Methods: 2017 Vermont Youth Behavior Risk Survey data (n = 26,962) was used to evaluate a potential association between concussions and depressive indicators in 20,653 eligible high schoolers using a multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for covariates.

Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis using a dichotomous concussion variable revealed that the odds of reporting one or more depression indicators were greater for individuals reporting at least one concussion in the past year compared to individuals who did not report any concussions, controlling for all covariates (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.40). Subsequent sensitivity analysis demonstrated that odds of reporting one or more depression indicators increased 12.4% with each additional concussion up to the four-concussion study maximum, controlling for all covariates (95% CI: 1.07, 1.18).

Conclusion: Concussions are significantly associated with depressive indicators in high school students, and odds of reporting depressive indicators increases with each additional concussion. Consequently, students with concussions are at greater risk for depressive , and future studies should elucidate this association using prospective methodology.

Document Type

Project

YRBS Supplemental Materials.docx (34 kB)
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