Citation

DeVivo MJ, Underhill AT, Fine PR. Brain Inj. 2004; 18(11): 1155-1162.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699050410001672323

PMID

15545211

Abstract

Primary objective: Determine (1) the sensitivity of world-wide-web searches for deaths among persons with traumatic brain injuries and (2) factors associated with the likelihood of identifying deceased persons with traumatic brain injuries. Research design: Stratified case series. Methods and procedures: Sequential submission of 371 deceased persons with traumatic brain injuries to a world-wide-web site to determine inclusion in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). Main outcomes and results: Almost 87% of deceased persons ages 50+ were found, 69.8% of persons ages 30-49 and 34.6% of persons younger than age 30. Other factors influencing the likelihood of finding deceased persons in the SSDI were male gender, white race, being married, knowing the Social Security number and survival of 1+ years post-injury. Conclusions: The SSDI provides useful information for mortality studies among persons with traumatic brain injuries, but does a poor job of identifying deaths among younger persons. Sole reliance on the SSDI may result in under-ascertainment of mortality.