Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

JA

Accession No.:

J60581

Journal:


Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 92, 3, `441-448

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the association of race and cultural factors with quality-of-life factors (participation, life satisfaction, perceived health status) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Data were collected from 275 people with SCI at 6 national SCI Model Systems centers who completed measures of: (1) participation (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form), (2) satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale), and (3) perceived health status (2 items from 36-Item Short Form Health Survey). Results showed that African Americans with SCI reported more experiences of discrimination in health care, greater perceived racism, more health care system distrust, and lower health literacy than Whites. Participants who reported experiencing more discrimination in health care reported better occupational functioning. Those who perceived more racism in health care settings reported better occupational functioning and greater perceived health. Those who reported more distrust in the health care system reported better current health compared with 1 year ago. Those who reported better communication with their health care provider reported higher levels of mobility and better general health. In summary, higher levels of perceived discrimination and racism and better communication with health care providers were associated with an increase in participation and functioning and improvements in perceptions of well-being. These associations are different from those reported in other study populations and warrant confirmation in future prospective studies.

Author(s):


Myaskovsky, L, Burkitt, K, Lichy, A, Ljungberg, I, Fyffe, D, Ozawa H, Switzer, G, Fine, M, Boninger, M

Participating Centers: