The Relationship of Pressure Ulcers, Race, and Socioeconomic Conditions After Spinal Cord Injury

J Spinal Cord Med, 2010 · DOI: · Published: October 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Dermatology Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines the relationship between race, socioeconomic status (SES), and pressure ulcers (PrUs) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It investigates whether racial disparities in PrU occurrence are mediated by SES factors like income and education. The research hypothesizes that African Americans may have a higher risk of PrUs compared to whites, but this risk is influenced by differences in income and education levels. The findings suggest that lower income and lower education levels are associated with a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers after a spinal cord injury. Addressing these socioeconomic disparities is crucial for PrU prevention and intervention.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

1,466 white and African American adults at least 1-year post-traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Cohort study

Key Findings

1
Race was significantly associated with having a current pressure ulcer and with having surgery to repair a pressure ulcer since injury in preliminary analyses.
2
Lower income was associated with increased odds of each PrU outcome.
3
Education was associated with increased odds of having a current PrU.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between race, socioeconomic status (SES), and pressure ulcers (PrUs) among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aimed to determine if racial disparities in PrU occurrence are mediated by SES factors like income and education. The results indicated that race was associated with current PrUs and PrU surgery in initial analyses. However, these relationships were mediated by income and education. Lower income was consistently linked to increased odds of PrU outcomes. The study concludes that a lack of financial and educational resources is associated with worse PrU outcomes after SCI. These findings can inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Healthcare providers and policy makers should consider socioeconomic factors when designing pressure ulcer prevention and intervention programs for individuals with SCI, especially those with low income and education levels.

Resource Allocation

Allocate resources to address socioeconomic disparities that contribute to increased pressure ulcer risk, such as improving access to healthcare, education, and financial assistance for individuals with SCI.

Further Research

Future research should explore the specific mechanisms through which socioeconomic factors influence pressure ulcer development and identify effective strategies to mitigate these risks.

Study Limitations

1
Data were self-reported and therefore could be subject to recall bias.
2
The study was not able to assess the severity of reported PrUs but were limited to a more general assessment of the occurrence of an event (yes or no).
3
The measurement of SES, included only education and household income.

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