Health outcomes among American Indians with spinal cord injury

To identify factors related to risk for poor health outcomes and secondary conditions in a sample of American Indians with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Interviews were conducted by telephone with most participants; those who did not have telephones returned materials by mail.

A large rehabilitation hospital in the Western/ Mountain region of the United States.

Ninety-seven American Indians with SCI completed a comprehensive health interview. All participants were adults with traumatic SCI and were at least 1 year postinjury.

Selected items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to assess health behaviors and general health outcomes. Two secondary conditions were also investigated as outcome measures: pressure sores and post-SCI injuries.

Multiple linear regression was used to predict seven health-related outcomes. Depressive symptomatology and post-SCI injuries were the primary predictors of the majority of health outcomes. Alcohol consumption was associated with a greater risk for post-SCI injuries, and being older at injury was associated with poorer health outcomes.

Interventions to reduce depression, injuries, and alcohol misuse have potential for improving health among American Indians with SCI.