A-9 Representing the Underrepresented: An Examination of Racial/Ethnic Differences in TBI-Related Outcomes in U.S. Veterans Enrolled in the Million Veteran Program

Abstract Objective Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research in Veterans is based primarily on non-Hispanic White samples, which does not reflect the diversity of current military population. We examined relationship between race/ethnicity and clinical outcomes a large sample Iraq/Afghanistan-era within Million Veteran Program. Method Primary included characteristics, neurobehavioral-related symptoms, employment status gleaned from Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE) for 7006 with clinician-confirmed history TBI. Logistic regressions adjusting age, sex, education effect CTBIE outcomes. Results Racial/ethnic groups (n = 4203), Hispanic (¬n 1302), Black 951), Asian 205), Multiracial 157), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (−n 91), American Indian/Alaska 79). Race/ethnicity was significantly associated 5/10 variables after applying Bonferroni-correction: blast exposure, loss consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), affective neurobehavioral unemployment (p’s < 0.0001). Relative to Whites, self-identifying as Asian, Black, were less likely experience certain injury-related characteristics (e.g., PTA). Additionally, endorse severe symptoms compared Veterans, whereas more symptoms. Conclusions highlight that outcomes—particularly those related symptoms—vary by race/ethnicity. An enhanced understanding how are modified vital so care can be appropriately tailored unique needs racially ethnically diverse Veterans. Future studies should further elucidate