Substance use in young adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury

Cross-sectional survey.

To assess the prevalence of substance use in young adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) and its relationship with demographic factors, and medical and psychosocial outcomes.

Young adults living in the United States who received pediatric SCI care at one of three SCI programs at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Individuals aged 21-25 years who had sustained SCI before the age of 19 were interviewed with a structured questionnaire including standardized outcome measures: FIM, satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), short-form 12 health survey (SF-12), patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale, and Craig handicap assessment and recording technique (CHART).

Sample included 215 individuals with a mean age at interview of 23.3 (s.d.=0.9) years and mean age at injury of 13.2 (s.d.=4.9) years. In all, 24% had a college degree, 36% were employed and 12% were married. Regular substance use was reported by 28% for tobacco, 55% for alcohol and 11% for marijuana. Tobacco use was associated with depressive symptoms and unemployment; alcohol use was associated with having a college degree, single status and independent mobility; and marijuana use was associated with not having a college degree. There were no significant associations between substance use and injury-related factors or life satisfaction.

Substance use in young adults with pediatric-onset SCI was associated with factors such as education, employment, marital status and depressive symptoms. Clinicians caring for youth with SCI should counsel patients and caregivers regarding the use of substances and potential associations with outcomes in adulthood.