Evaluating knowledge of autonomic dysreflexia among individuals with spinal cord injury and their families.

Background/objective: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) characterized by episodic paroxysmal hypertension and bradycardia in response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. Recognition of AD is crucial for individuals with SCI and their family members to facilitate timely and appropriate management. The objectives of this study were to (a) evaluate knowledge of AD among SCI consumers and their family members and (b) identify the preferred format and timing of education regarding AD recognition and management for these stakeholders.

Secondary health complications in an aging Canadian spinal cord injury sample.

Objectives: This study describes self-reported incidence of secondary health complications (SHCs) and their associations with age, years postinjury (YPI), and impairment among a Canadian spinal cord-injured (SCI) cohort.

Design: Cross-sectional telephone survey methods were used to collect data on (1) sociodemographics, (2) impairment, (3) health status, and (4) self-reported SHCs on 781 adults >or=1 yr post-SCI living in Ontario, Canada.

Results: Logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between self-reported incidences of SHCs with the following covariates: (1) age, (2) YPI, and (3) impairment.

User perspectives on issues that influence the quality of daily life of ventilator-assisted individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Objectives: To identify user perspectives on the issues that impact the quality of the daily lives of ventilator-assisted individuals living in the community.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were held with 26 Canadian ventilator-assisted individuals (mean age 44+/-14 [SD] years, range 23 to 60 years; mean ventilator experience 18+/-13 years, range three to 53 years) whose disability from neuromuscular conditions necessitated assistance with activities of daily living. Participants described their daily life experiences and perceptions of the factors that limited or enhanced their quality.

Long-term adjustment and community reintegration following spinal cord injury.

This paper presents the results of a 2-year mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) study examining the reintegration and quality of life of community-residing adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). A convenience sample of 100 individuals with SCI completed three questionnaires for the quantitative study phase. A self-selected subsample of 34 of the participants then attended qualitative focus groups to further explore adjustment to living in the community after SCI.