Racial differences in serological markers across the first year of injury in spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis of a multi-center interventional study.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled study(Sygen®). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate racial differences in serological markers in individuals with spinal cord injury(SCI) across the first year of injury. SETTING: Hospitals in North America. METHODS: Serological markers (e.g.,cell count, liver, kidney, and pancreatic function, metabolism, and muscle damage) were assessed among 316 participants (247 White, 69 Black) at admission, weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 52 post-injury. Linear mixed models were employed to explore the main effects of time, race (Black vs. White), and their interaction, with adjustment of covariates such as study center, polytrauma, injury (level, completeness), treatment group, and sex. RESULTS: A main effect of race was observed where White individuals had higher alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen(BUN), BUN/Creatinine ratio, sodium, and chloride, while Black individuals had higher calcium, total serum protein, and platelets. For markers with interaction effects, post-hoc comparisons showed that at week 52, White individuals had higher mature neutrophils, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, albumin, and triglycerides, and Black individuals had higher amylase. Eosinophils, monocytes, red blood cells, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, cholesterol, partial thromboplastin time, urine specific gravity, urine pH, CO2, and inorganic phosphorus did not differ between races. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed racial differences in serological markers and underscores the importance of considering race as a determinant of physiological responses. Future studies are warranted to explore the causes and implications of these racial disparities to facilitate tailored clinical management and social policy changes that can improve health equity.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations of Saskatchewan: a prospective outcomes study.

Background: People of Aboriginal (Indigenous) ancestry are more likely to experience traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) than other Canadians; however, outcome studies are limited. This study aims to compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations with acute TSCI with respect to preinjury baseline characteristics, injury severity, treatment, outcomes and length of stay. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of participants with a TSCI who were enrolled in the prospective Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR), Saskatoon site (Royal University Hospital), between Feb. 13, 2010, and Dec. 17, 2016. Demographic, injury and management data were assessed to identify any differences between the populations. Results: Of the 159 patients admitted to Royal University Hospital with an acute TSCI during the study period, 62 provided consent and were included in the study. Of these, 21 self-identified as Aboriginal (33.9%) and 41 as non-Aboriginal (66.1%) on treatment intake forms. Compared with non-Aboriginal participants, Aboriginal participants were younger, had fewer medical comorbidities, had a similar severity of neurologic injury and had similar clinical outcomes. However, the time to discharge to the community was significantly longer for Aboriginal participants (median 104.0 v. 34.0 d, p = 0.016). Although 35% of non-Aboriginal participants were discharged home from the acute care site, no Aboriginal participants were transferred home directly. Conclusion: This study suggests a need for better allocation of resources for transition to the community for Aboriginal people with a TSCI in Saskatchewan. We plan to assess outcomes from TSCI for Aboriginal people across Canada.

Contexte: Au Canada, les personnes d'origine autochtone sont plus susceptibles que les autres de vivre un traumatisme médullaire. Malgré cela, il y a peu d'études sur les conséquences de cet événement. Notre étude visait à comparer les cas de traumatisme médullaire aigu dans les populations autochtones et non autochtones sur plusieurs plans : les caractéristiques initiales des patients, la gravité du traumatisme, la nature du traitement, les issues cliniques et la durée de séjour. Méthodes: Nous avons fait une analyse rétrospective des dossiers de personnes ajoutées au Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR) [Registre des traumatismes médullaires Rick Hansen] entre le 13 février 2010 et le 17 décembre 2016 pour l'établissement de Saskatoon (l'Hôpital universitaire Royal). Nous avons comparé les renseignements de base des patients ainsi que les données sur le traumatisme et la prise en charge afin de cerner toute différence entre les populations. Résultats: Sur les 159 traumatisés médullaires admis à l'Hôpital universitaire Royal pendant la période à l'étude, 62 ont consenti à l'utilisation de leurs données. Parmi eux, 21 s'étaient identifiés comme Autochtones (33,9 %) sur le formulaire d'hospitalisation, et 41 comme non-Autochtones (66,1 %). Par rapport aux non-Autochtones, les Autochtones étaient plus jeunes, avaient moins de comorbidités, présentaient une atteinte neurologique de gravité comparable et connaissaient à peu près le même tableau clinique. Toutefois, le délai avant leur retour en communauté était significativement plus long (médiane : 104,0 jours contre 34,0 jours; p = 0,016). Aucun participant autochtone n'a été renvoyé directement à la maison, alors que 35 % des participants non autochtones sont retournés chez eux en quittant les soins de première ligne. Conclusion: Cette étude montre qu'il faut améliorer la répartition des ressources de retour dans la communauté pour les traumatisés médullaires autochtones de la Saskatchewan. Enfin, nous comptons examiner les répercussions cliniques du traumatisme médullaire chez les Autochtones de partout au Canada.

Interdisciplinary care for spinal cord injured refugees.

INTRODUCTION: For war-injured refugees, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of catastrophic neurologic injury and literature focused on the care of this vulnerable population is sparse. This case series describes the unique challenges presented to an outpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation team in providing SCI care in the USA for refugees who suffered their SCI in their home countries. CASE PRESENTATION: Our interdisciplinary rehabilitation team faced challenges related to language, cultural and educational barriers which impacted the typical standard rehabilitation care offered to these individuals. Many of the individuals were focused on curative treatments. As such, managing expectations and educating individuals to rehabilitation practices for chronic SCI and lack of curative treatments for associated medical complications affected the provision of care across all disciplines of the rehabilitation team. DISCUSSION: This case series showcases the challenges of caring for international refugees with SCI. The care offered to these individuals highlights the benefits that an interdisciplinary SCI rehabilitation approach can provide to comprehensively care for this vulnerable population.

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in New Zealand (2007-2016).

AIM: To investigate the epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in New Zealand over a 10-year period. METHODS: Ambispective data of all new patients admitted to New Zealand's two spinal rehabilitation units between January 2007 and December 2016 (n=929) were collated. Variables assessed included age at injury, gender, ethnicity, date of injury, aetiology, length of hospital stay, injury level, neurological status on discharge and discharge destination. RESULTS: The incidence of TSCI averaged 22 (95% CI 21-24) per million, increasing 6% a year. The average incidence for Maori (29 per million people (95% CI 25-34)) was 1.8 times higher than New Zealand European (16 per million people (95% CI 15-18)), and show an increase of 14% a year. The median age of TSCI increased from 43 to 48 years. Overall, falls (32%), transport (32%) and sports (22%) were the most common causes of TSCI. Cervical TSCI (54%) were most common, particularly in older adults (70% over 75 years) and Maori (61%) and Pacific Island (72%) patients. Surgical rates remained stable (77%) but length of stay in hospital decreased over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The demographic of TSCI is changing in New Zealand. The median age of patients is increasing, as is the incidence, particularly for women, older adults and Maori patients.

Race and socioeconomic disparity in treatment and outcome of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury with fracture: Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 1998-2009.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective national administrative database study. OBJECTIVE: Advances in treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury with fracture (TCSCIF) have led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes; however, progress in healthcare is seldom ubiquitous across demographic groups. Therefore, we explored if disparities in treatment and outcome after TCSCIF exist across race and socioeconomic status. SETTING: USA. METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 1998 to 2009 for TCSCIF hospitalizations. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the correlation between socioeconomic status and race to injury, treatment type, and outcome. RESULTS: There were 21,985 admissions for TCSCIF, 66.9% of whom had a favorable discharge disposition. In-hospital mortality rate was 12.5%. A total of 43.7% underwent surgery. Overall, surgery was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.27-0.34, p < 0.01) and better discharge disposition (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62-0.74, p < 0.01) versus nonsurgical or no intervention. African-American (AA) race and low socioeconomic status (LSES) were significant predictors of lower odds to undergo surgery and unfavorable discharge disposition, respectively; potentially explained by a higher odds of increased New Injury Severity Score classification at presentation. Surgical and favorable discharge rates for LSES and non-Caucasian races, however, have been steadily improving over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite trending improved outcomes after TCSCIF, LSES, or AA race were more likely to have worse outcomes compared to their counterparts. In addition, LSES, AA, and Hispanic groups were less likely to undergo surgical treatment, suggesting disparities in management and outcome effect.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Obesity in People With Spinal Cord Injury: The Effects of Disadvantaged Neighborhood.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of neighborhood in the relation between race and obesity in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of survey data from National SCI Database linked with neighborhood data from American Community Survey by census tract. SETTING: A total of 17 SCI Model Systems centers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=3385; 2251 non-Hispanic whites, 760 non-Hispanic blacks, 374 Hispanics) who completed a follow-up assessment during 2006-2017 (mean duration of injury, 8.3±9.9y) and resided in 2934 census tracts. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity was 52.9% (BMI≥25.0) and 23.3% (BMI≥30.0). Hispanics were 67.0% more likely to be obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2) relative to non-Hispanic whites (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.18), after controlling for demographic and injury-related characteristics. Most of the non-Hispanic blacks (66.8%) were living in neighborhoods with high concentrated disadvantaged index (CDI), compared to 35.0% of Hispanics and 9.2% of non-Hispanic whites living in this similar neighborhood status (P<.0001). After accounting for CDI, the odds of being obese in Hispanics decreased (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.99). Regardless of race and ethnicity, people with SCI from disadvantaged neighborhoods were 42.0%-70.0% more likely to be obese than those from minimal CDI neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood characteristics partially diminish racial differences in obesity. Weight management for the SCI population should target those who are Hispanic and living in the disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Racial Differences in Weight Gain: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess racial differences in body mass index (BMI) change over 5 years among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Multicenter longitudinal study. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=437; 313 non-Hispanic white, 81 non-Hispanic black, and 43 Hispanic; 335 men; mean age, 41.3±13.5y) who incurred an SCI from 1974 to 2010 and completed 2 follow-up assessments within 5 years between October 1, 2006 and September 18, 2015 (mean duration of injury, 9.1±9.6y at the start of the 5-year follow-up). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BMI (in kilograms per meters squared). RESULTS: The mean BMI of 437 participants increased from 26.4±6.3 to 27.0±6.4kg/m2 over 5 years (P=.002). The greatest increase was noted for Hispanics (2.0±5.7kg/m2; P=.02), followed by non-Hispanic whites (0.6±3.9kg/m2; P=.01) and non-Hispanic blacks (0.01±3.7kg/m2; P>.99). The differences in BMI increase across racial groups were significant (P=.03) in those with paraplegia (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A, B or C), those who were underweight or of normal weight at baseline, and those within 10 years of their injury. Such racial differences remained significant after taking into account demographic and injury characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings provide a foundation for future research to explore risk and protective factors that contribute to racial differences in weight gain after SCI, which help alert health care professionals to a high-risk group for obesity prevention and management.

Depressive symptomatology after spinal cord injury: A multi-center investigation of multiple racial-ethnic groups.

OBJECTIVE: To identify (1) racial-ethnic differences in depressive symptomatology after spinal cord injury (SCI) and (2) the relationship of multiple additional factors to depressive symptoms, including health behaviors, employment, fatigue, and pain interference. DESIGN: Cross-sectional Setting: Data were collected at 3 specialty hospitals in different regions of the USA (Southeastern, Mountain, Western). PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N = 1,063) were identified from outpatient records of the 3 hospitals with oversampling of racial-ethnic minority groups. INTERVENTIONS: N/A Main Outcome Measure(s): The outcome, depressive symptomatology, was measured by the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire (OAHMQ). Participant demographic and injury characteristics were measured as statistical controls, as well as other variables including health behavior factors, depression/stress relief medication usage, fatigue, and pain interference. The multivariate analyses were developed using OLS regression models and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Employment was protective for depressive symptomatology, whereas fatigue, pain interference, and binge drinking were risk factors for higher OAHMQ scores. Although there were no bivariate racial-ethnic differences in depressive symptoms, fatigue and pain interference had suppression effects on the relationship between race-ethnicity and depressive symptomatology. After controlling for fatigue and pain interference, Hispanic participants had significantly lower OAHMQ scores and lower odds of probable major depression (PMD) than non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and pain interference are associated with both race-ethnicity and depressive symptomatology. Assuming the same level of fatigue and pain interference, Hispanics will have a lower risk of depressive symptoms than non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks.

To What Extent Do Neighborhood Differences Mediate Racial Disparities in Participation After Spinal Cord Injury?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of residential neighborhood characteristics in accounting for race disparities in participation among a large sample of community-living adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the national Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database linked with national survey and spatial data. SETTING: SCIMS database participants enrolled at 10 collaborating centers active in follow-up between 2000 and 2014. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of persons with SCI (N=6892) in 5441 Census tracts from 50 states and the District of Columbia. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique was used to measure full participation across 4 domains: physical independence, mobility, occupation, and social integration. RESULTS: Racial minority groups had lower odds of reporting full participation relative to whites across all domains, suggesting that blacks and Hispanics are at risk for poorer community reintegration after SCI. Neighborhood characteristics, notably differences in socioeconomic advantage, reduced race group differences in the odds of full occupational and social integration, suggesting that the race disparities in community reintegration after SCI are partially attributable to variation in the economic characteristics of the places where people live. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation suggests that addressing disadvantage at the neighborhood level may modify gaps in community participation after medical rehabilitation and provides further support for the role of the environment in the experience of disability.

Changing Demographics and Injury Profile of New Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in the United States, 1972-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To document trends in the demographic and injury profile of new spinal cord injury (SCI) over time. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal data by injury years (1972-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2009, 2010-2014). SETTING: Twenty-eight Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers throughout the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with traumatic SCI (N=30,881) enrolled in the National Spinal Cord Injury Database. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, sex, race, education level, employment, marital status, etiology, and severity of injury. RESULTS: Age at injury has increased from 28.7 years in the 1970s to 42.2 years during 2010 to 2014. This aging phenomenon was noted for both sexes, all races, and all etiologies except acts of violence. The percentage of racial minorities expanded continuously over the last 5 decades. Virtually among all age groups, the average education levels and percentage of single/never married status have increased, which is similar to the trends noted in the general population. Although vehicular crashes continue to be the leading cause of SCI overall, the percentage has declined from 47.0% in the 1970s to 38.1% during 2010 to 2014. Injuries caused by falls have increased over time, particularly among those aged ≥46 years. Progressive increases in the percentages of high cervical and motor incomplete injuries were noted for various age, sex, race, and etiology groups. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings call for geriatrics expertise and intercultural competency of the clinical team in the acute and rehabilitation care for SCI. This study also highlights the need for a multidimensional risk assessment and multifactorial intervention, especially to reduce falls and SCI in older adults.

Racial-ethnic variations in paid and unpaid caregiving: Findings among persons with traumatic spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: The effects of race-ethnicity on the use of paid and unpaid caregivers for those with spinal cord injury (SCI) have received little attention in the literature. OBJECTIVE: Compare the amount of paid and unpaid caregiver hours received and sources of caregiving between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black participants with SCI, controlling for demographic, injury-related, and economic variables. METHODS: Participants were identified from a large specialty hospital. Self-report data were collected by mail. Five aspects of caregiving were assessed: (a) paid assistance hours, (b) satisfaction with care, (c) unpaid assistance hours, (d) sources of informal care, and (e) evaluation of whether needs were met. RESULTS: Whites were more satisfied with paid care. Approximately 43.4% of Whites received informal care from their spouse every day, 14.7% higher than Blacks. Blacks were more likely to receive informal care from other family members, friends, church, and others. When controlling for gender, injury severity, chronological age, and years post injury, Blacks reported 1.50 more paid assistance hours (95% CI, 0.31-2.68 hours) and 1.83 less unpaid assistance hours than Whites (95% CI, 0.25-3.41 hours). Differences diminished and were not statistically significant after adding marital status and income into regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The results did not provide strong evidence of racial disparities regarding caregiver assistance for those with SCI. Level of income appears to be directly related to satisfaction of quality caregiving and the use of paid versus unpaid care for those living with SCI.

Ethnicity and rehabilitation outcomes: the Needs Assessment Checklist.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with matched samples. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether significant differences in rehabilitation outcomes exist between different ethnic groups, using the Needs Assessment Checklist (NAC). SETTINGS: Tertiary care, spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit (National Spinal Injuries Centre), Stoke Mandeville Hospital, UK. METHODS: Rehabilitation outcomes and demographic information were obtained from the NAC. Data on 461 individuals were included in the study. Analysis of variance was employed to investigate differences in rehabilitation outcomes between various ethnic groups, across both the whole cohort and matched samples. RESULTS: Significant differences were evident across the different rehabilitation domains when ethnicity was examined, in particular within the domains of physical healthcare and psychological well-being. Within the unmatched data set, significant differences were found to exist in 3 of the 10 rehabilitation domains, and with the matched data set within 4 of the 10 domains. The results indicated that the cohort as a whole made significant improvements from the first to the second NAC within all rehabilitation domains. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that ethnicity may have an impact on rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury. Further investigation is needed to explore the nature of this relationship, and the future role of targeted interventions focusing on improving rehabilitation outcomes within the domains of physical and psychological care, in particular for individuals from different ethnic backgrounds.

Examining implicit bias of physicians who care for individuals with spinal cord injury: A pilot study and future directions.

CONTEXT: Despite evidence that healthcare providers have implicit biases that can impact clinical interactions and decisions, implicit bias among physicians caring for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a pilot study to examine implicit racial bias of SCI physicians and its association with functioning and wellbeing for individuals with SCI. DESIGN: Combined data from cross-sectional surveys of individuals with SCI and their SCI physicians. SETTING: Four national SCI Model Systems sites. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI (N = 162) and their SCI physicians (N = 14). OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI physicians completed online surveys measuring implicit racial (pro-white/anti-black) bias. Individuals with SCI completed questionnaires assessing mobility, physical independence, occupational functioning, social integration, self-reported health, depression, and life satisfaction. We used multilevel regression analyses to examine the associations of physician bias and outcomes of individuals with SCI. RESULTS: Physicians had a mean bias score of 0.62 (SD = 0.35), indicating a strong pro-white/anti-black bias. Greater physician bias was associated with disability among individuals with SCI in the domain of social integration (odds ratio = 4.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44, 16.04), as well as higher depression (B = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.06, 5.41) and lower life satisfaction (B = -4.54, 95% CI= -8.79, -0.28). CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that SCI providers are susceptible to implicit racial bias and provides preliminary evidence that greater implicit racial bias of physicians is associated with poorer psychosocial health outcomes for individuals with SCI. It demonstrates the feasibility of studying implicit bias among SCI providers and provides guidance for future research on physician bias and patient outcomes.

Longitudinal analysis of hospitalization after spinal cord injury: variation based on race and ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal effects of race/ethnicity on hospitalization among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the 10-year period after initial injury. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of postinjury hospitalizations among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic African American, and Hispanic adults with SCI. SETTING: Community. Data were extracted from the 2011 National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems database. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with traumatic SCI (N= 5146; white, 3175; African American, 1396; Hispanic, 575) who received rehabilitation at one of the relevant SCI Model Systems. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospitalization, including rate of hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and number of days hospitalized during the 12 months before the first-, fifth-, and tenth-year follow-up interviews for the SCI Model Systems. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in rates of hospitalization at 1 and 5 years postinjury, with participants from Hispanic backgrounds reporting lower rates than either whites or African Americans. At 10 years postinjury, no differences were noted in the rate of hospitalization between racial/ethnic groups; however, compared with whites (P=.011) and Hispanics (P=.051), African Americans with SCI had 13 and 16 more days of hospitalization, respectively. Compared with the first year postinjury, the rate of hospitalization declined over time among whites, African Americans, and Hispanics; however, for African Americans, the number of days hospitalized increased by 12 days (P=.036) at 10 years versus 5 years postinjury. CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic variation appears to exist in postinjury hospitalization for individuals with SCI, with Hispanics showing the lowest rates of hospitalization at 1 and 5 years postinjury and African Americans having a significantly higher number of days hospitalized at 10 years postinjury. Potential explanations for these variations are discussed, and recommendations are made for potential changes to policy and clinical care.

Racial and ethnic disparities in functioning at discharge and follow-up among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine racial and ethnic differences in self-care and mobility outcomes for persons with a motor complete, traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at discharge and 1-year follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Sixteen rehabilitation centers contributing to the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with traumatic, motor complete SCI (N=1766; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade A or B) enrolled in the SCIMS between 2000 and 2011. Selected cases had complete self-reported data on race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Hispanic) and motor FIM scores assessed at inpatient rehabilitation admission, discharge, and 1-year follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional outcomes were measured by FIM self-care and mobility scores on a 1 to 7 FIM scale, at discharge and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Multiple regression models stratified by neurologic category and adjusted for sociodemographic and injury characteristics assessed racial and ethnic group differences in FIM self-care and mobility change scores at discharge and 1-year follow-up. At discharge, non-Hispanic black participants with tetraplegia and paraplegia had significantly poorer gains in FIM self-care and mobility scores relative to non-Hispanic white and Hispanic participants. At 1-year follow-up, similar FIM self-care and mobility change scores were found across racial and ethnic groups within each neurologic category. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Hispanic white and Hispanic participants had comparatively more improvement in self-care and mobility during inpatient rehabilitation compared with non-Hispanic black participants. At 1-year follow-up, no differences in self-care and mobility outcomes were observed across racial and ethnic groups. Additional research is needed to identify potential modifiable factors that may contribute to racially and ethnically different patterns of functional outcomes observed during inpatient rehabilitation.

Online support for individuals with spinal cord injuries: an ethnographic investigation.

BACKGROUND: Although social support is an important protective factor for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), individuals often encounter significant barriers to obtaining support after experiencing a SCI. It has been suggested that the Internet may serve to help individuals with disabilities overcome common barriers in obtaining support, yet research examining the efficacy of Internet-based support for individuals with SCI has been mixed. OBJECTIVE: To develop a more nuanced understanding of how individuals with SCI can or might use the Internet for support. DESIGN: Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine individuals with SCI to explore perceived needs and barriers to information-seeking and online support. SETTING: Participants were recruited from Veterans Administration medical center outpatient and inpatient units providing specialty care to individuals with SCIs and from a community SCI Center of Excellence. RESULTS: Individuals with SCI gain emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources. CONCLUSIONS: Online resources can provide important opportunities for social support for individuals with SCI.

Race-ethnicity and poverty after spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of existing data. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the relationship between race-ethnicity and poverty status after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: A large specialty hospital in the southeastern United States. METHODS: Participants were 2043 adults with traumatic SCI in the US. Poverty status was measured using criteria from the US Census Bureau. RESULTS: Whereas only 14% of non-Hispanic White participants were below the poverty level, 41.3% of non-Hispanic Blacks were in poverty. Logistic regression with three different models identified several significant predictors of poverty, including marital status, years of education, level of education, age and employment status. Non-Hispanic Blacks had 2.75 greater odds of living in poverty after controlling for other factors, including education and employment. CONCLUSION: We may need to consider quality of education and employment to better understand the elevated risk of poverty among non-Hispanic Blacks in the US.