Sustaining a Spinal Cord Injury Earlier Versus Later in Life: Comparing Experiences and Outcomes

Research Objectives To explore psychosocial and quality of life outcomes between those injured early versus later in life. Design This study used a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design. We collected quantitative data about participants’ sociodemographics and participants completed standardised questionnaires assessing personal factors, environmental factors, life habits, and quality of life. The transcripts were analysed thematically. Setting Community-based study. Participants We recruited individuals with SCI (> 55 years of age) who were either injured between the ages of 15 to 30 (n = 15) or after the age of 50 (n = 15). Interventions N/A. Main Outcome Measures Spinal Cord Independence Measure, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Late Life Disability Index, Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors, Life Space Assessment, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BRIEF version. Results We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups on any of the psychosocial outcomes. However, those injured later in life were significantly more likely to be female, have a higher income, and live in residential care. We identified three main qualitative themes that were consistent across the two groups: ‘dealing with health and changes in occupation’, ‘enacting independence’, and ‘living in the community’. Some sub-themes varied between groups. Conclusions To facilitate better rehabilitation, clinicians need to be aware of disparities among people with SCI relating to age of injury. Across age cohorts, it is important to increase independence, provide greater support when entering or returning to the workforce, and reduce societal stigma. Author(s) Disclosures The authors declare no conflicts of interest.