Employment, health outcomes, and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury: Comparison of veterans and non-veterans

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J85873

Journal:

Spinal Cord (formerly Paraplegia)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2020 , 58, 1, 3-10

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study explored differences between veterans and nonveterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) treated within the SCI Model System program in terms of employment, health, and satisfaction with life outcomes after controlling for demographic and injury characteristics. A total of 9,754 adults (85 percent were nonveterans) with traumatic SCI who were interviewed from 2000 and 2015 and completed follow-up years 1, 5, and 10 were included in this study. Employment status and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form (CHART-SF) measured employment. The SF-36 for self-perceived health status, CHART-SF, and rehospitalization determined health outcomes. Satisfaction with life was measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Secondary data analyses used chi squared, t-tests, and generalized estimating equations modeling to determine group differences with control of demographic and injury characteristics. There were no significant differences for employment and SWL between nonveterans and veterans. There were some differences in health outcomes; veterans had better physical independence and mobility compared with nonveterans. The findings suggest that interventions for both groups should target adults with a disability from SCI, be customized for varying levels of injury that address differences in healthcare systems, demographic backgrounds, economic resources, disincentives, and motivation.

Author(s):