@article{ref1,
title="The impact of blast exposure-with or without traumatic brain injury-on metabolic abnormalities in post-9/11 veterans",
journal="Journal of head trauma rehabilitation",
year="2023",
author="Lendvai, Dora and Whittemore, Robin and Womack, Julie A. and Fortier, Catherine B. and Milberg, William P. and Fonda, Jennifer R.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The primary aim included explorations of: (1) the associations between the history of blast exposure (BE), close blast exposure (CBE), and blast-related traumatic brain injury (bTBI) and metabolic abnormality; and (2) the potential mediating effect of comorbid psychological and somatic conditions on these associations. The secondary aim explored the association of dose-response impact of BE, CBE, and bTBI and metabolic abnormality. SETTING: Data were collected by the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS). PARTICIPANTS: Post-9/11 veterans from the TRACTS baseline sample who had conflict-zone deployment experience (N = 734). <br><br>DESIGN: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. We computed relative risks (RRs) and 95% CI using modified Poisson regression. We quantified the impact of co-occurring psychological and somatic conditions on this association using mediation analyses. MAIN MEASURES: Exposures included BE (<100 m), CBE (<10 m), and bTBI. Metabolic abnormality outcomes included (1) overweight/obesity (defined by abnormal waist-hip ratio [WHR] and abnormal waist circumference [WC]); (2) glucose dysregulation; and (3) meeting criteria for cardiometabolic syndrome (defined by guidelines). <br><br>RESULTS: The sample was majority male (91%) and White (68%), with a mean age of 34.6 years (SD = 8.99). Most participants had 1 or more BE (83%); 48% experienced 1 or more CBE. Overweight/obesity was highly prevalent in the sample (51% had abnormal WHR and 60% abnormal WC). There was no significant direct or indirect association between BE, CBE, and bTBI and metabolic abnormalities (RRs: 0.70-1.51; P's >.05). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Future research is needed to investigate the association of BE with metabolic abnormalities with larger, more targeted sample selection, and longer follow-up. Effective and sustainable weight management and metabolic health prevention interventions for this veteran cohort are needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0885-9701",
doi="10.1097/HTR.0000000000000874",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000874"
}