INS NYC 2024 Program

Poster	Poster Session 11 Program Schedule 02/17/2024 10:45 am - 12:00 pm Room: Majestic Complex (Posters 61-120) Poster Session 11: Cultural Neuropsychology \| Education/Training \| Professional Practice Issues Final Abstract #87 Evaluating the Effects of Self-Reported First Language on Baseline ImPACT® Scores Alexis Rosen, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States Christina Nuñez, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States Sophia Perez, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States Ryan Bennett, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States Category: Inclusion and Diversity/Multiculturalism Keyword 1: computerized neuropsychological testing Keyword 2: language: second/foreign Keyword 3: concussion/ mild traumatic brain injury Objective: To compare composite scores and total symptom score of student athletes who reported English or Spanish as their first language and were administrated the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT®) in English. Participants and Methods: Participants were selected from a de-identified ImPACT database. Athletes were grouped into those whose first language was English (M_age= 15.11, SD_age= 1.82, M_Edu= 9.04, SD_Edu= 1.10, female= 36.9%) and those whose first language was Spanish (M_age= 15.67 SD_age= 1.41, M_Edu= 9.41, SD_Edu= 1.29, female= 46.7%). All participants were administered ImPACT® in English. There were no significant group differences on demographic characteristics including gender, quality of student, diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, prior treatment for psychiatric conditions, and number of previous concussions. There were significant group differences for education and age therefore, these variables were included as covariates. ANCOVAs were used to assess composite scores which met underlying assumptions. Values for asymmetry and kurtosis between -2 and +2 were considered acceptable to prove normal univariate distribution. Quade Nonparametric ANCOVAs were used as nonparametric equivalents. Additional exploratory analyses were used to probe findings. Results: Reaction Time Composite (skewness_english= -2.051, kurtosis_english=8.056), Impulse control (skewness_english= 4.318, kurtosis_english=22.506) and Total Symptom Score (kurtosis_english=3.087). Impulse control (kurtosis=2.586_spanish) and Total Symptom Score (skewness_spanish =3.229, kurtosis_spanish =13.179).There was a significant difference in Total Symptom score F(1,218)=6.277, p=.013. No other composite scores including, Verbal Memory, were significant. Exploratory analysis included examining the differences in types of symptoms endorsed by each group. Results of Quade Nonparametric ANCOVAs revealed significant differences in the reporting of cognitive symptoms F(1,218)=8.569, p=.004; physical symptoms F(1,218)= 3.997, p=.047, and emotional symptoms F(1,218)=4.291, p=.039. Those whose first language was Spanish endorsed higher scores in each symptom cluster when compared to those whose reported first language was English. There were no differences in sleep related symptoms. Conclusions: The assumption that first language and language of administration are required to be congruent was not supported by these findings. Specifically, as participants were not significantly different on tasks measuring verbal memory abilities which was contrary to general belief. Individuals who reported their first language to be Spanish endorsed a higher number of symptoms at baseline when compared to native English speakers. These findings suggest possible cultural implications when reviewing symptom reporting of individuals with diverse backgrounds. Clinicians should be cognizant of the number of symptoms reported by individuals of various backgrounds as symptom reporting plays a key role in concussion monitoring and decisions regarding return to play. This emphasizes the importance of baseline assessments to allow for unique comparison of symptom reporting post-injury. Limitations of the study include lack of information regarding language proficiency, limited information on ethnic and racial identity, and the use of self-report. Future studies should examine the role of language proficiency and cultural background on baseline concussion outcomes.

Poster

02/17/2024
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Room: Majestic Complex (Posters 61-120)

Poster Session 11: Cultural Neuropsychology | Education/Training | Professional Practice Issues

Final Abstract #87

Evaluating the Effects of Self-Reported First Language on Baseline ImPACT® Scores

Alexis Rosen, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States
Christina Nuñez, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States
Sophia Perez, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States
Ryan Bennett, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States

Category: Inclusion and Diversity/Multiculturalism

Keyword 1: computerized neuropsychological testing
Keyword 2: language: second/foreign
Keyword 3: concussion/ mild traumatic brain injury

Objective:

To compare composite scores and total symptom score of student athletes who reported English or Spanish as their first language and were administrated the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT®) in English.

Participants and Methods:

Participants were selected from a de-identified ImPACT database. Athletes were grouped into those whose first language was English (M_age= 15.11, SD_age= 1.82, M_Edu= 9.04, SD_Edu= 1.10, female= 36.9%) and those whose first language was Spanish (M_age= 15.67 SD_age= 1.41, M_Edu= 9.41, SD_Edu= 1.29, female= 46.7%). All participants were administered ImPACT® in English. There were no significant group differences on demographic characteristics including gender, quality of student, diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, prior treatment for psychiatric conditions, and number of previous concussions. There were significant group differences for education and age therefore, these variables were included as covariates. ANCOVAs were used to assess composite scores which met underlying assumptions. Values for asymmetry and kurtosis between -2 and +2 were considered acceptable to prove normal univariate distribution. Quade Nonparametric ANCOVAs were used as nonparametric equivalents. Additional exploratory analyses were used to probe findings.

Results:

Reaction Time Composite (skewness_english= -2.051, kurtosis_english=8.056), Impulse control (skewness_english= 4.318, kurtosis_english=22.506) and Total Symptom Score (kurtosis_english=3.087). Impulse control (kurtosis=2.586_spanish) and Total Symptom Score (skewness_spanish =3.229, kurtosis_spanish =13.179).There was a significant difference in Total Symptom score F(1,218)=6.277, p=.013. No other composite scores including, Verbal Memory, were significant. Exploratory analysis included examining the differences in types of symptoms endorsed by each group. Results of Quade Nonparametric ANCOVAs revealed significant differences in the reporting of cognitive symptoms F(1,218)=8.569, p=.004; physical symptoms F(1,218)= 3.997, p=.047, and emotional symptoms F(1,218)=4.291, p=.039. Those whose first language was Spanish endorsed higher scores in each symptom cluster when compared to those whose reported first language was English. There were no differences in sleep related symptoms.

Conclusions:

The assumption that first language and language of administration are required to be congruent was not supported by these findings. Specifically, as participants were not significantly different on tasks measuring verbal memory abilities which was contrary to general belief. Individuals who reported their first language to be Spanish endorsed a higher number of symptoms at baseline when compared to native English speakers. These findings suggest possible cultural implications when reviewing symptom reporting of individuals with diverse backgrounds. Clinicians should be cognizant of the number of symptoms reported by individuals of various backgrounds as symptom reporting plays a key role in concussion monitoring and decisions regarding return to play. This emphasizes the importance of baseline assessments to allow for unique comparison of symptom reporting post-injury. Limitations of the study include lack of information regarding language proficiency, limited information on ethnic and racial identity, and the use of self-report. Future studies should examine the role of language proficiency and cultural background on baseline concussion outcomes.