Adult outcomes for children who sustained firearm-related spinal cord injuries

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1943250 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the long-term outcomes of adults who sustained spinal cord injuries (SCI) from gun violence as children, comparing them to those with SCI from non-violent causes. The research looks at factors like education, employment, income, quality of life, involvement with the criminal justice system, and use of healthcare services. The study found that SCI from gun violence is linked to lower educational achievement and income levels in adulthood, reflecting racial disparities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

26 participants with gun injury SCI matched with 19 participants with non-violent etiologies

Evidence Level

Retrospective-cohort study

Key Findings

1
Individuals from racial minority groups were over-represented in the gun injury cohort, indicating a disparity in who is affected by firearm-related SCI.
2
The gun-injury cohort had lower educational attainment compared to the non-violent injury group, suggesting long-term impacts on academic achievement.
3
Despite similar employment rates, the gun injury group had a lower income level, pointing to potential economic disadvantages.

Research Summary

This retrospective cohort study compared adult outcomes of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) sustained from gun injuries versus non-violent etiologies during childhood. The study found significant differences in race, educational attainment, and income between the two groups, with the gun injury cohort experiencing lower educational achievement and income levels. Despite these differences, functional and quality of life outcomes were similar between the groups, suggesting resilience among individuals with SCI regardless of etiology.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Planning

Rehabilitation programs for children with SCI due to gun violence should address the risk of reduced educational attainment and lifetime income.

Address Social Determinants of Health

Interventions should consider the complex psychosocial factors and the significant role of social determinants of health in this population.

Advocacy for Injury Prevention

Increased research and public health efforts are needed to prevent gun violence and reduce the prevalence of firearm-related SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Recruitment focused on only one metropolitan area, limiting generalizability.
2
The enrolled and not enrolled groups may have differed on socioeconomic or other factors.
3
Matching the GSW SCI and non-violent cohorts by demographic characteristics encountered challenges.

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