Cognitive functioning in survivors of road accidents: a descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, interest has increased in the Colombian context in determining the characteristics and consequences of road traffic accidents. These events result not only in physical sequelae but also in cognitive sequelae, conditions that require objective assessment processes to support decision-making in rehabilitation. Objective: To evaluate the cognitive functioning of individuals who survived road traffic crashes in Valle del Cauca and Cauca, Colombia, between 2018 and 2021. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective cohort study with a descriptive design, aimed at analyzing the dependent variable of cognitive functioning based on the direct results of specific assessment instruments for the dimensions of impairment and activity, as described in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Results: A total of 261 people were evaluated; 81.64% of the crashes occurred in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Of the participants, 21.9% presented some level of cognitive impairment, and 41.5% presented some level of disability in the domain of understanding and communication. Both dimensions showed a moderate, statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.354, p< 0.01, r2 = -0.708). Conclusion: Disability is characterized as a complex condition that requires multidimensional analysis. Cognitive functioning is one of the areas that should be considered in establishing objective parameters to guide decision-making in functional rehabilitation processes.