Problematic secondary health conditions among adults with spinal cord injury and its impact on social participation and daily life

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2015.1123845 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the secondary health conditions experienced by adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and how these conditions affect their ability to participate in social activities and daily life. The research aims to understand the clients’ perception about secondary health conditions in a rehabilitation hospital. The study found that bladder issues, pain, bowel issues, and pressure ulcers were the most problematic secondary health conditions reported by the participants. These conditions were also perceived to significantly impact their social participation and daily life. Despite participating in a community-based rehabilitation program, most participants felt these health problems were unavoidable and negatively impacted their engagement in social activities and daily routines. This suggests a gap between what medical providers aim to achieve and the actual experiences of individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

56 adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey design

Key Findings

1
The most problematic secondary health conditions identified were bladder issues (30.4%), pain (28.6%), bowel issues (10.7%), and pressure ulcers (5.4%).
2
75% of participants reported that their secondary health conditions had a notable impact on social participation, and 64.3% reported a notable impact on daily life.
3
A large majority (73.2%) of the participants felt that their secondary health conditions were unavoidable, despite participating in a community-based rehabilitation wellness program.

Research Summary

This study investigated the top secondary health conditions among adults with SCI and whether they impacted social participation and daily life. The results showed that bladder issues, pain, bowel issues, and pressure ulcers were the most common problematic areas and had a significant negative impact on social participation and daily life. Despite participating in a community-based rehabilitation program, most participants perceived these secondary health conditions as unavoidable, highlighting a gap between clinical intentions and clients’ perceptions.

Practical Implications

Re-examine Health Education

The length of stay in inpatient rehabilitation for the SCI population continues to decrease providing less time for health management education.

Community-Based Rehabilitation Wellness Programs

Such settings in the community would also create opportunities to meet specialists, for example recreational therapists who specialize in participation as defined by the ICF as well as peers with SCI who can provide real life experiences and information related to secondary health condition prevention.

Address the gap between clinician's assumptions and client's perceptions

Further in-depth investigation is needed to clarify the gap between clinician’s intention to teach secondary health conditions management and clients’ perception of it among the SCI adult population.

Study Limitations

1
The sample population is unique in that 35.7% sustained the SCI due to a sport injury compared to the national statistic.
2
It is unclear which aspect of bladder, pain, and bowel are most problematic as all problem areas were placed within a category for participants to choose from.
3
The study used a cross-sectional survey design, which limits the ability to draw causal inferences about the relationship between secondary health conditions and social participation/daily life.

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