Citation

Chen Y, Wen H, Baidwan NK, Devivo MJ. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2021.11.001

PMID

34808122

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the population profile of people living with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) to help evaluate health care needs of this aging population DESIGN: Cross-sectional study SETTING: SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) centers throughout the United States PARTICIPANTS: 20,437 people who: 1) incurred a TSCI between 1972 and 2019, 2) were initially treated at one of the SCIMS centers, and 3) were alive during 2015-2019 INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, injury characteristics, health conditions, and social participation, as compared with previous estimates in 2008 and general population statistics in 2017.

RESULTS: People living with TSCI during 2015-2019 (mean years since injury: 18y, 79.4% male, and 62.5% White) were older (51.6y vs 45.0y) and had a higher percentage of C1-C4 (21.9% vs 17.0%) and AIS D injuries (31.5% vs 26.0%), as compared with 2008 TSCI population profile. Although the proportion of people with Bachelor's degree or higher was similar between the TSCI and general US populations (30.7% vs 32.0%), the employment rate was lower in the TSCI population (24.0% vs 59.5%). People are affected by various medical problems over time post TSCI. The prevalence of pain and urinary tract infection remained high over post-injury years, 86.1% and 52.6%, respectively. Rehospitalization and depression were most common during the first year (34.9% and 22.3%, respectively), while pressure injury was more common among those ≥20 years post-injury (>30.0%). Health conditions declined with advanced age, including self-perceived health, diabetes, and institutional residence. People who survived TSCI for years, however, had relatively good degrees of independence and social participation.

CONCLUSION: Study findings highlight the need for greater involvement of primary care providers and geriatricians in the continuity of care for SCI to promote healthy aging. Improvement in employment should also be the target in promoting social participation and quality of life.

Language: en

Keywords

Epidemiology; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injuries