To assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across a 12-month period following pediatric concussion and to explore whether psychological factors (ie, preinjury mental health history, current symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disturbance, or grit) were associated with HRQOL.

Prospective cohort study design using data collected from patients presenting to a specialty care concussion program, with each patient followed for 12 months after initial presentation. Comparison data were collected from nonconcussed controls recruited from the community. A total of 49 concussed patients (median = 15.4 years of age) completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information Systems Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms short forms, Pediatric Sleep Disturbance forms, and a Short Grit Scale. Mixed effects models explored change in HRQOL across time.

Total HRQOL at initial clinic presentation was significantly lower for concussed adolescents (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory total score mean = 72 [SD = 16]) compared with nonconcussed controls (mean = 88 [SD = 11], P < .001). HRQOL improved in the patients with concussion over a 6-month period after initial assessment with no significant changes thereafter. Preinjury history of anxiety (coefficient = −11.388, CI = −18.49 to −4.28, P < .001), current depressive symptoms (coefficient = −0.317, CI = −0.62 to −0.01, P < .01), and sleep disturbance (coefficient = −0.336, CI = −0.71 to 0.04, P < .05) all predicted lower HRQOL.

HRQOL is significantly lower in the acute phase of pediatric concussion and steadily improves over the following 6 months. Psychological factors are linked to lower HRQOL and may serve as important indicators of risk for poor outcome.