Meredith is a first-year graduate student in the Department of Community Health Sciences and a Research Assistant in the Manitoba Population Mental Health Research Lab in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of Winnipeg, here she was on the Dean’s Honour List and received Academic Proficiency Scholarships. As a research assistant, Meredith assists with program evaluation research, several studies examining the mental health and well-being in military personnel and a study evaluating cognitive behaviour therapy in public safety personnel. Meredith’s research interests lie in the areas of military mental and physical health, traumatic brain injuries, at-risk populations, mental health, and psychiatric epidemiology. Outside of work, Meredith has volunteered at various organizations in Manitoba, including the Victoria General Hospital and St. Amant Research Centre. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog, spending as much time in the summer at the cabin as possible, baking, and traveling.
A Longitudinal Exploration of the Relationship Between Traumatic Brain Injuries and Chronic Pain Conditions in Both Active Duty and Veteran Soldiers: Results from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a common occurrence during warfare. However, to date, the prevalence and correlation of chronic pain conditions occurring after a TBI among actively serving Canadian Armed Forces and Veteran populations has not been investigated. This research project will investigate the relationship between TBIs and chronic pain conditions in active duty Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans.
The aims of this study are:
1. To determine the prevalence of chronic pain conditions among actively serving and Veteran members
2. To understand who develops a chronic pain condition following TBI in the sample by observing trends in demographic characteristics
3. To understand what variables may moderate or mediate the relationship between TBI and development of a chronic pain condition by observing the prevalence of health-related (physical, mental, and social) characteristics
and
4. To explore whether there are key differences between active duty and Veteran members, or between males and females
Findings will highlight potential characteristics associated with chronic pain following a TBI and will delineate which groups are at particular risk for developing chronic pain. This research could provide insight into early recognition and treatment of soldiers and Veterans who may be at particular risk of developing chronic pain following a TBI. A better understanding of co-occurring health, mental health, and lifestyle factors could also provide intervention targets that may reduce the likelihood of developing negative consequences.
