Addressing Transition To Work Needs For Men and Women Following Traumatic Brain Injury and COVID-19

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: To investigate across sex (i.e., biological attributes) and gender (i.e., roles and responsibilities), the support services and workplace accommodation needs for men and women with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the impact of COVID-19 on work and mental well-being. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design with an online survey. Descriptive and regression analyses were completed for sex and gender differences. Open-ended responses were analyzed through a content analysis approach. SETTING: Research Electronic Data Capture application of a research teaching hospital in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Adult persons with TBI were recruited nationally. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences between men and women in domains of quality of life after brain injury-overall scale (QOLIBRI-OS), health support service needs, workplace accommodations, and change in employment status and mental health due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Thirty-two persons with TBI (62% women; 38% men) completed the study. The most needed services by women and men were physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counselling services. The most needed workplace accommodations for men and women were modified hours/days and modified/different duties. Women expressed needing help with housekeeping and caregiving to transition to work effectively. Women also scored poorer on the daily activity domain of the QOLIBRI-OS. Women were more likely to experience no change in employment status because of COVID-19, whereas men expressed concern over job security and finances. Mental well-being was a concern for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed noteworthy differences between men and women's needs post-TBI, including during the pandemic. Rehabilitation professionals can better support men and women with TBI through awareness of their specific workplace accommodation needs. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: No conflict to disclose.