Understanding traumatic brain injury in elderly populations: a developing country perspective

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BACKGROUND: With the steady increase in life expectancy over recent decades, elderly healthcare has become a global priority. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in older adults pose a significant public health challenge due to the increased susceptibility of this age group to such injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the epidemiological patterns of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in elderly individuals in a developing country, focusing on incidence, outcomes, and associated costs. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 1268 elderly TBI patients at a Brazilian tertiary trauma center from 2010 to 2022. Variables included age, gender, injury mechanism, hospitalization details, and outcomes. Logistic regression analyzed predictors of outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1268 elderly patients with TBI were initially screened; 93 were excluded, yielding a final analytic sample of 1175 patients. 1049 (89.3%) TBIs were classified as mild, with falls being the predominant cause of TBI, appearing in 904 cases (76.9%). The average annual hospitalization rate for elderly TBI patients was 90 cases. Significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes included age, low education levels, and intracranial injuries. The study also emphasizes costs associated with TBI care as a substantial economic burden. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the rising incidence and economic burden of TBI in elderly populations in developing countries, emphasizing the need for targeted public health policies and resource allocation to address this growing issue.

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