B - 48 Gender-Based Network Comparisons of the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale at Acute Post-Concussion

Abstract Objective Prior literature suggests there may be gender-based differences in Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores, with girls reporting more symptoms than boys at pre- and post-concussion. PCSS network analysis comparisons on gender have been conducted at pre-concussion but not post-concussion, which can determine whether gender-based differences in symptom relationships exist post-concussion. We conducted network comparisons between boys and girls from a sample of high school athletes at acute post-concussion to analyze differences in symptom relationships. Method Separate network analyses were conducted on acute post-concussion PCSS scores (within 72 hours post-suspected concussion) for boys (n = 2032) and girls (n = 1246), with nodes representing PCSS items and edges representing partial correlations between them. Expected influence was calculated to determine node importance in each network. Network Comparison Tests were used to compare network structure, global connectivity, and expected influence. Results Both networks’ expected influences and edge weights were stable and interpretable. There were no significant differences in network structure, connectivity, and expected influence between the groups. Networks consisted of positive and negative edges; strongest edges connected symptoms within similar domains (e.g., light and noise sensitivity). Conclusions Current results suggest that prior reports of gender-based differences in PCSS scores following concussion do not appear to be accounted for by differences in how PCSS items interact and influence each other. Differences may reflect actual differences in type and severity of post-concussion symptoms experienced by boys and girls or reflect differences in symptom reporting based on cultural influences. Future research could examine cultural or societal factors that influence gender-based differences in symptom reporting.