The prevalence and proﬁle of spinal cord injury in public healthcare rehabilitation units in Gauteng, South Africa

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00571-9 · Published: March 29, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looked at the records of people with spinal cord injuries admitted to public rehabilitation centers in Gauteng, South Africa, over two years. The study found that assault was a major cause of injury, especially in young men. Also, more women had non-traumatic injuries. The research suggests a need for better prevention strategies, particularly for assault-related injuries in men and infection-related injuries in women.

Study Duration

2 Years

Participants

386 PWSCI

Evidence Level

Level 3: Retrospective medical record review

Key Findings

1
Assault is the leading cause of traumatic SCI in Gauteng, with a disproportionately high rate compared to global statistics.
2
Females are more commonly affected by non-traumatic SCI than males in this population, often linked to HIV and tuberculosis.
3
Unemployment is a significant risk factor for sustaining a traumatic SCI.

Research Summary

This study determined the prevalence and described the profile of persons with SCI (PWSCI) admitted in the public healthcare sector in Gauteng, South Africa. Gauteng has among the highest global proportion of TSCI due to assault. Of interest, more females sustained a NTSCI than their male counterparts. There is a need to strengthen SCI prevention strategies, particularly targeting assault in young males and infectious causes in females and older populations.

Practical Implications

Strengthen Prevention Strategies

Target violence prevention for men and address infectious diseases in women.

Improve Acute Care

Enhance education and training for medical staff in tertiary and regional facilities due to the absence of an acute public healthcare SCI unit in Gauteng.

Address Unemployment

Implement strategies to support community and societal reintegration post-rehabilitation, while addressing stigma and empowering those with SCI.

The prevalence and proﬁle of spinal cord injury in public healthcare rehabilitation units in Gauteng, South Africa

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Strengthen Prevention Strategies

Improve Acute Care

Address Unemployment

Study Limitations

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The prevalence and proﬁle of spinal cord injury in public healthcare rehabilitation units in Gauteng, South Africa

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Strengthen Prevention Strategies

Improve Acute Care

Address Unemployment

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?