Predictors of Secondary Conditions in a Sample of Independently Living Adults with High-Level Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

A sample of 117 Massachusetts adults with predominately high-level spinal cord injuries (SCIs) report a mean of 6.5 (&#453.0) of 17 secondary conditions in the previous year. Hierarchical multiple regression based on a conceptual framework to examine possible contributing factors shows two independent predictors (P &#104 .05) of a greater number of secondary conditions: These predictors are more difficulty with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and more difficulty with accessing medical care. In addition, three variables marginally predicted (P &#104 0.10) more secondary conditions: inadequate access to transportation, tobacco-smoking, and race (white). The findings highlight the importance of IADL difficulty and access to medical care in relation to secondary conditions among adults with SCI.