Surveying people with spinal cord injuries in Brazil to ascertain research priorities

Scientific Reports, 2023 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26733-7 · Published: January 12, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to understand the main issues faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Brazil and their expectations for future research. An online survey was conducted with 618 Brazilian adults with SCI, covering topics such as difficulties faced and desired research areas. The study found that locomotion/accessibility, bladder function, bowel function, and sexuality were major concerns, with a high interest in stem cell research and rehabilitation therapies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

618 Brazilian adults with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The primary difficulties reported by participants after SCI were related to locomotion/accessibility (70.9%), neurogenic bladder (68.8%), neurogenic bowel (48.2%), and sexuality (36.1%).
2
The most desired research areas were experimental studies on stem cells (22.5%), rehabilitation (14.2%), and cures (13.9%).
3
Men reported sexuality problems after SCI more frequently than women (84.3%, p = 0.013).

Research Summary

This study surveyed 618 Brazilian adults with SCI to identify their main difficulties and research priorities. The most significant challenges reported were locomotion/accessibility, neurogenic bladder and bowel, and sexuality. Participants expressed a strong interest in research focused on stem cells, rehabilitation, and cures for SCI.

Practical Implications

Influence Research Agenda

The findings can help prioritize scientific research to align with the needs and expectations of people with SCI.

Inform Stakeholder Engagement

Organizations can use the survey results to engage stakeholders in developing comprehensive SCI management programs.

Guide Future Investigations

The study guides future research investigations for Brazilian research groups working on the rehabilitation of people with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Online research and convenience sample may limit generalizability.
2
Lack of an interconnected database in Brazil for comparable statistical data.
3
Inclusion of a question on the digital form during data collection made it impossible for all the participants to answer the question.

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