Grocery Shopping and Eating Behaviors Differ Between Persons With and Without a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) heightens the susceptibility to neurogenic obesity, which is driven by alterations in energy metabolism and suboptimal dietary habits after injury. Those with SCI may adjust their grocery shopping and eating behaviors, notably influencing overall health outcomes.

To assess differences in grocery shopping and eating behaviors between persons with and without (controls) SCI.

In an online, cross-sectional study, adults with (n = 207) and without (n = 52) SCI completed a one-time survey that assessed grocery shopping behavior (shopping frequency and who completed the shopping) and eating behaviors, including the frequency of consuming alcoholic beverages, fast food, and preferences for fried food. Regression analyses were employed for group comparisons, controlling for relevant measures.

Compared to the controls, a smaller proportion of persons with SCI grocery shopped independently in person (P = .002), and a greater proportion relied on others to fulfill grocery needs (P = .008). Individuals with SCI demonstrated a reduced monthly frequency of overall (P = .019) and independent in-person grocery shopping than controls (P = .014). In contrast, the monthly frequency of grocery shopping through delivery and from their caregivers was similar (P > .05). Fried food and fast-food intake were comparable (P > .05), whereas alcoholic beverage consumption was lower in individuals with SCI than controls (P = .006).

People with SCI reported obtaining groceries less often than controls, and a greater proportion relied on others, rather than themselves, to fulfill grocery needs. These findings highlight the influence of SCI on biobehavioral activities affecting neurogenic obesity, suggesting potential targets for interventions to enhance health outcomes post-SCI.