Prevalence of Self-reported COVID-19 Infection in Persons With Complicated Mild to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study.

Objectives: The aims of the study are to describe the incidence of self-reported COVID-19 history in a longitudinal cohort of individuals with complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury and describe demographic, injury, and functional differences based on history of COVID-19 infection.

Design: Individuals with complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury aged 16 or older at time of injury who were enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems longitudinal cohort study, completed a baseline or follow-up interview between October 1, 2021-March 31, 2023, and provided information about COVID-19 history and timing of COVID-19 infection was collected.

Results: Of the 3627 individuals included in the analysis, 29.5% reported a history of COVID-19 infection. Those with reported COVID-19 history tended to be younger, not of a racial/ethnic minority background, and greater functional status at follow-up based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Scale compared with those with no reported COVID-19 history ( P < 0.05). Among those with COVID-19 history, 61.8% did not receive medical care, 27.6% received medical care but no hospitalization, and 10.5% were hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 21.4% required ventilator use.

Conclusions: Incidence of COVID-19 diagnosis and related hospitalization characteristics in persons with complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury was similar to national incidence between March 2020-2023. Secondary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with traumatic brain injury require investigation.