Resumption of driving following acquired brain injury amongst Bruneians
- Author:
Hazel Sharmila ABRAHAM
;
Siti Nur Ashikin PENGIRAN TENGAH
- Publication Type:Journal article
- Keywords:
Acute brain injuries;
automobile driving;
rehabilitation.
- From:Brunei International Medical Journal
2010;6(3):122-125
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
-
Abstract:
Introduction
Motor vehicle transport is common everywhere and in our local setting, most travel using their own cars. Resumption of driving after acquired brain injury (ABI) has been shown to affect subsequent community integration. Forty four to 66% of ABI survivors return to driving according to studies elsewhere. This study assesses the number of patients who resumed driving after ABI in Brunei Darussalam.
Materials and Methods
Brunei Darussalam citizens after ABI who were above 18 years old and had received occupational therapy in RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009 were retrospectively identified and studied. Data was collected from the Department of Occupational Therapy records supplemented by telephone calls to patients or their relatives.
Results
Of 111 patients included in the study, 43 patients did not drive prior to ABI, since they were either older in age or never had a driving license. Of those with driving licenses (68) prior to ABI, 15 (22%) resumed driving: traumatic brain injury (n=1/5, 20%), brain tumour (n=1/4, 25%), brain infection (n=1/1, 100%) and for stroke (n=12/58, (20.7%). Gender and age groups were not significant predictors of return to driving.
Conclusion
Only 22% of Bruneians after ABI resumed driving and this is lower than studies elsewhere. Reasons considered include severity of injury and cultural factors which all require further study.
