Soy Diferente: A Qualitative Study on the Perceptions of Recovery Following Traumatic Brain Injury Among Spanish-speaking US Immigrants

Authors

Monique R Pappadis
Angelle M Sander
Margaret A Struchen
Diana M Kurtz

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Journal

Disability and Rehabilitation

DOI

10.1080/09638288.2020.1836045

PMID

33108224

PMCID

PMC8109840

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

6-1-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Brain Injuries, Traumatic, Emigrants and Immigrants, Hispanic or Latino, Humans, Language, Prospective Studies, Quality of Life, emigrants and immigrants, Hispanic Americans, quality of life, self concept, social integration, traumatic brain injuries

Abstract

PURPOSE: To explore the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the quality of life (QoL) and self-concept of Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants with TBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, qualitative study conducted in a county level I trauma center and community. Semi-structured interviews on QoL and self-concept following TBI were conducted with 24 Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants with TBI living in the community at least 6 months following injury.

RESULTS: Perceived facilitators of QoL included faith, hopefulness in recovery, empathy for others, and support from others. Perceived barriers to QoL mentioned were symptoms/consequences of injury, employment/financial changes, loss of independence, fear/uncertainty, stigma/shame, lack of medical care, and decreased social integration. Participants described their self-concept after TBI as either a maintained self or loss of self. Those who viewed themselves differently reported physical and emotional changes, gender role conflict, loss of self-worth, and total loss due to the TBI.

CONCLUSIONS: Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants held a strong faith and positive outlook after TBI in spite of the significant barriers to recovery. A need exists for programs to support creatively the recovery of Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants with limited access to care and resources.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSpanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants may experience significant barriers to care following traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as access to rehabilitation services and follow-up care.Rehabilitation professionals should consider the importance of faith and encourage positive thinking and social support when working with Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic immigrants on how to cope with TBI-related challenges.Access to Spanish-speaking rehabilitation professionals, translators and Spanish language educational materials could help reduce language-related barriers to recovery among Spanish-speaking U.S. immigrants with TBI.Rehabilitation facilities should develop partnerships with community-based organizations serving the uninsured or underinsured to address the access to rehabilitation and medical needs of Spanish-speaking U.S. immigrants with TBI.