Predictors of pain 1 year post-spinal cord injury

To determine the predictive validity of demographic and medical characteristics to the subsequent development of pain 1 year post-spinal cord injury (SCI).

Prospective longitudinal design using data from 18 Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems of Care.

Adults 18 years or older with traumatic-onset SCI (n = 540) evaluated at 1 year postinjury.

A single item from the Short Form-12 that assessed pain interference in day-to-day activities using a 5-point Likert scale.

Demographic and medical characteristics, individual and total medical complications during rehabilitation, and insurance provider.

Univariate analyses showed age, education, marital status, primary occupation at the time of injury, American Spinal Injury Association motor score, and sponsor of care to be related to pain interference 1 year post-SCI. Polychotomous logistic regression indicated that age and occupational status at the time of injury were the only significant unique predictors of pain interference. The youngest (aged 18-29 years) and oldest (aged 60 years and older) age groups reported the least amount of pain interference, whereas individuals unemployed at the time of injury were significantly more likely to report pain interference. None of the other predictor variables was significant.

Age and occupational status appear to be important predictors of pain interference 1 year post-SCI. Future directions of study and limitations are discussed.