A cross-sectional study to investigate the effects of perceived discrimination in the health care setting on pain and depressive symptoms in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J82775

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2019 , 100, 12, 2233-2243

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated which characteristics of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) are associated with greater perceived discrimination in the healthcare setting, and how such discrimination relates to 2 outcomes: pain and depressive symptoms. Data were collected between 2011 and 2016 from 410 full-time wheelchair users with SCI from 9 SCI Model Systems centers. Outcome measures included a 7-item questionnaire inquiring about perceived discrimination by hospital staff, self-reported pain severity over the past month using a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale, and depressive symptoms using the 2-question Patient Health Questionnaire screener. Participants who were Black or from the lowest income group were more likely to report experiencing more discrimination than those who were White or from the highest income group. Those who reported more perceived discrimination had greater risk of severe pain compared to no pain, mild depressive symptoms, and severe depressive symptoms compared to no symptoms. Wheelchair users with SCI who were from more disadvantaged groups (Black, lower income levels) reported experiencing more discrimination in their healthcare setting. Furthermore, those who reported more discrimination were more likely to report worse mental and physical health outcomes.

Author(s):