The relationship between health behaviors and emergency department visits and hospitalizations after traumatic spinal cord injury

This study looks at factors that predict emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It examines demographic, injury-related, and behavioral factors. The study found that a significant number of individuals with SCI experience ED visits and hospitalizations. Certain behaviors, like prescription medication misuse and lack of exercise, increase the risk. The results suggest healthcare professionals should focus on managing risky behaviors and encouraging healthy habits to reduce ED visits and hospitalizations in people with SCI.

• 1
  High frequency of prescription medication usage, prescription medication misuse, and lack of planned exercise were associated with greater odds of at least one ED visit and at least one ED-related hospitalization.
• 2
  Smoking was associated with greater odds of ED visits.
• 3
  Non-Hispanic Black participants were more likely to visit the ED.