Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury in Bangladesh: Database for the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey 2023

Neurotrauma Reports, 2023 · DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0040 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study explores the characteristics of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Bangladesh, using data from 2018 to 2022. It looks at factors like age, gender, injury causes (traumatic or disease-related), and the location of the injury on the spine. The research found that many SCI cases are linked to falls from heights and road accidents. Additionally, diseases like degenerative myelopathy and tuberculosis are also significant causes of SCI in Bangladesh. The study emphasizes the need for a national registry to better understand SCI in Bangladesh. Such a registry would help plan healthcare services and promote further research to improve the lives of those affected by SCI.

Study Duration

2018 to 2022

Participants

3035 persons with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Almost half (48.30%) of the study participants were located in Dhaka Division, highlighting a geographical concentration of SCI cases.
2
The average age of persons with SCI was 38.3 years, with the largest proportion (33.4%) falling within the 18–30 age range, and males outnumbered females by approximately 2.5 times.
3
Traumatic injuries accounted for 59.6% of SCI cases, with falls from height (42.1%) and road traffic accidents (27%) being the most common causes, while degenerative myelopathy (41.1%) was the leading cause of non-traumatic SCI.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of 3035 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Bangladesh from 2018 to 2022. Data were collected from medical records and verified through telephone calls. The study revealed that a significant portion of SCI cases were concentrated in Dhaka Division, with a mean age of 38.3 years and a male predominance. Traumatic injuries were the primary cause, with falls and road traffic accidents being most frequent. The research underscores the importance of establishing a national SCI registry in Bangladesh to facilitate better understanding, prevention, and management of SCI, as well as to improve healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Practical Implications

Establishment of a National SCI Registry

A national registry would provide comprehensive data for better understanding, prevention, and management of SCI in Bangladesh.

Targeted Prevention Strategies

Understanding the common causes of SCI, such as falls from height and road traffic accidents, allows for focused prevention programs.

Improved Healthcare Planning

Detailed demographic and clinical data can aid in resource allocation and the development of appropriate medical and rehabilitation services.

Study Limitations

1
Reliance on manual searches of hospital records led to missing information.
2
Inadequate documentation of pressure injuries, bowel-bladder status, and AIS classification.
3
Lack of cross-verification for accuracy of data obtained through telephone interviews.

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