Citation

Yuhasz JE. J. Correct. Health Care 2013; 19(2): 135-143.

Affiliation

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Annandale, NJ, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, National Commission on Correctional Health Care (USA), Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1078345812474644

PMID

23446874

Abstract

This study explored the prevalence of misconceptions of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among a sample of correctional health care professionals. Prior research has identified a high prevalence of TBI among criminal offenders, and misconceptions about TBI exist among laypersons and nonexpert professionals. Participants (N = 155) completed a 25-item survey about the sequelae of TBI. Results were compared with previous studies. This sample performed significantly better than laypersons and commensurable to other nonexpert professionals. Misconceptions were higher on items related to loss of consciousness, memory, and recovery. Gender, prior familiarity to someone with a history of TBI, and prior training in TBI accounted for statistically fewer misconceptions. The findings support the need for continued training and increased awareness about TBI among inmates.

Language: en