Medical, dental, and optical care utilization among community-living people with spinal cord injury in the United States

This study examines how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) use healthcare services like primary care, SCI-specific care, dental, and optical care. It looks at whether certain groups, like those with lower incomes or different injury types, have different patterns of healthcare use. The study found that many people with SCI don't get healthcare services as often as recommended. It also found differences in healthcare use based on factors like income, education, and how long ago they were injured. Understanding these patterns can help researchers and healthcare providers address barriers that prevent people with SCI from getting the care they need, which can improve their health and independence.

• 1
  A significant portion of individuals with SCI do not utilize healthcare services, including primary, SCI-specific, dental, and optical care, at recommended rates.
• 2
  Those with higher household incomes were more likely to utilize dental care, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in accessing dental services.
• 3
  Individuals injured for a shorter duration (≤ 5 years) and those with higher educational attainment were more likely to utilize SCI care.