Exploring the intersection of traumatic brain injury and mental health in survivors of intimate partner violence: A scoping review

Objective(s) To synthesize what is currently known in the literature about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health (MH) among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and identify gaps. Data Sources Seven health science databases were searched using keywords related to TBI, IPV, and MH. Searches were not limited by language, year of publication, or geographic location. Study Selection Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion based on the following criteria: discussed MH and TBI in an IPV context, written in English, and peer reviewed article or dissertation. Articles focusing on perpetrators, infant/child populations, or violence outside of intimate partner relationships were excluded. The initial search returned 958 articles. Data Extraction One researcher independently extracted data which was peer reviewed by a second reviewer. With an additional hand search, 33 articles were included in the final sample: 14 reporting on MH in IPV-related TBI, 9 reporting on both TBI and MH in IPV but not discussing them together, and 10 reviews. Data Synthesis Prevalence of TBI ranged from 19-74% among studies looking at IPV survivors more broadly. Significant associations between incidence or severity of MH and TBI was shown in all studies investigating associations. Care seeking experiences and healthcare use and access were explored by a small subset of articles, though none discussed implications of co-occurring TBI and MH. Conclusions Despite high rates of co-occurring TBI and MH among survivors of IPV, there is little research on this intersection and minimal investigation of the impacts on the health system. A focus on identifying the healthcare-related needs of survivors and identifying and mitigating barriers to access is needed. Author(s) Disclosures The authors have no disclosures to report.