Factors associated with past and current employment of veterans with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1769950 · Published: January 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study looks at what helps veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) get and keep jobs. It's important because having a job can improve their health, well-being, and independence. The researchers looked at information from over a thousand veterans getting care in VA hospitals. They wanted to see what things, like education or past job history, made it more likely for someone to be working after their injury. The study found that only a small number of veterans were employed. Things like having a recent job, a clean legal record, more education, and being happy with life made it more likely they were currently employed.

Study Duration

5 years

Participants

1047 veterans with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross sectional analysis

Key Findings

1
The baseline employment rate following SCI was 29.8%.
2
Greater duration of SCI predicted unemployment, likely due to the older age of this population.
3
Additional years of education promoted current and post-SCI employment, while a history of legal problems was a barrier to employment.

Research Summary

The purpose of this study was to examine variables predictive of post-SCI return to employment and current employment among a large cohort of veterans with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treated within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SCI System of Care. Only 29.8% were employed post-SCI, 27.9% reported employment within the immediate 5 years before the baseline interview, but only 9.2% reported current employment at the time of the baseline interview. Significant predictors of current employment among these veterans with SCI included recent employment experience, history of legal problems, duration of SCI, education, and life satisfaction.

Practical Implications

Targeted interventions

Vocational interventions should target modifiable factors like education and legal issues.

Individualized support

Employment resources need to be individualized to address barriers and build on strengths.

Expand employment services

The VHA should expand evidence-based employment services to veterans with physical disabilities such as SCI.