Comparing Activity and Participation between Acquired Brain Injury and Spinal-Cord Injury in Community-Dwelling People with Severe Disability Using WHODAS 2.0

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093031 · Published: April 27, 2020

Neurology Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study compares the daily activities and social involvement of individuals living in their communities who have either acquired brain injuries (ABI) or spinal cord injuries (SCI). The goal was to see how these two groups differ in their disabilities. Researchers used a standard questionnaire to assess the level of disability in different areas such as thinking, moving, relationships, and daily tasks. They also looked at factors like age, how long they've had the injury, and their living situation. The findings help to understand the specific challenges each group faces. This knowledge can be used to improve healthcare plans and support services tailored to the unique needs of people with ABI or SCI.

Study Duration

March to May 2013

Participants

322 ABI, 183 SCI community-dwelling people with severe disability

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
ABI participants had signiﬁcantly higher disability in cognition and relationships, whereas patients with SCI had higher disability in mobility.
2
Onset duration was negatively correlated with cognition, relationships, participation, and summary scores in ABI participants
3
Neither group’s socioeconomic factors were associated with WHODA 2.0 scores.

Research Summary

This study investigated diﬀerences in disability patterns between ABI and SCI in community-dwelling people with severe disability, and sought to identify risk factors related to disability. The SCI group experienced more diﬃculties with mobility, whereas the ABI group had more problems with cognition and relationships. Understanding the diﬀerences in the pattern of disability between these two groups of community-dwelling people with severe disability may help to establish appropriate management of health resources.

Practical Implications

Healthcare planning for SCI

Healthcare plans regarding transportation and accessibility problems for SCI patients need to be re-evaluated.

Cognitive rehabilitation

Implementation of cognitive-rehabilitation programs with close follow-up and regular evaluations for elderly individuals with CNS injuries are warranted.

Resource allocation

Understanding the differences in disability patterns can help with more efficient allocation of healthcare resources.

Study Limitations

1
Questionnaire did not collect information on comorbidities.
2
It was not possible to obtain information about the injury level and completeness of SCI
3
Cross-sectional study that cannot identify causal eﬀects.

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