Computer and internet use by persons after traumatic spinal cord injury

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Assistive Technology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) necessitates long-term treatment strategies.
• Computer and internet technologies offer potential avenues for patient engagement and support.
• Understanding technology adoption post-SCI is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and scope of computer and internet use in individuals with SCI.
• To evaluate the potential of these technologies as long-term treatment modalities for SCI patients.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter cohort study involving 2,926 participants with traumatic SCI.
• Follow-up interviews were conducted at 1 and 5 years post-injury between 2004 and 2006.
• Data collected on computer and internet usage patterns and demographic factors.

Main Results:

• 69.2% of SCI participants used computers, with 94.2% accessing the internet.
• Internet usage was frequent (5-7 days/week) for email, shopping, and health information.
• Access significantly differed by age, race, and education level, with younger, white, and more educated individuals showing higher rates.

Conclusions:

• The internet shows promise as a long-term SCI treatment modality.
• Limited access for black individuals, those injured after age 18, and those with lower education restricts its immediate utility for these subgroups.
• Targeted strategies are needed to ensure equitable access and maximize the benefits of digital health for all SCI survivors.