Hughes, Nathan PhD; Williams, W. H. PhD; Chitsabesan, Prathiba MRCPsych; Walesby, Rebecca C. PhD; Mounce, Luke T. A. PhD; Clasby, Betony
Design
Systematic review of research from various national contexts. Included studies were assessed for the relevance of the definition of TBI and the research population, and the quality of the study design.
Results
Ten studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Four of these studies included control groups. No studies examining comorbidity of TBI and other neurodevelopmental disorders among incarcerated young people were identified.
Conclusion
Reported prevalence rates of brain injury among incarcerated youth range from 16.5% to 72.1%, with a rate of 100% reported among a sample of young people sentenced to death. This suggests considerable levels of need among incarcerated young people. Where control groups or directly comparable studies within the general population exist, there is strong and consistent evidence of a prevalence of TBI among incarcerated youth that is substantially greater than that in the general population. This disparity is seemingly more pronounced as the severity of the injury increases.
Access the full study text in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.