Prevalence of comorbidities and secondary health conditions among the Finnish population with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord, 2022 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00704-7 · Published: September 11, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study examined the prevalence of comorbidities and secondary health conditions (SHCs) in the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Comorbidities are additional diseases, while SHCs are health problems resulting from or related to the SCI. The study also looked at multimorbidity, which is having multiple comorbidities and/or SHCs at the same time. Data were collected from the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI) using questionnaires to screen for comorbidities and SHCs. The study compared the prevalence of these conditions in relation to general characteristics (age, gender) and lesion characteristics (severity of SCI). The results showed that high blood pressure/hypertension and back problems were the most common comorbidities, while joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, chronic pain, and bowel problems were the most common SHCs. The prevalence of comorbidities was highest among older participants, and SHCs were most prevalent in those with more severe SCI.

Study Duration

February 2019 to July 2019

Participants

884 participants with spinal cord injury in Finland

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
High blood pressure/hypertension (38%), back problems (28%), and high cholesterol (22%) were the most common comorbidities among the Finnish population with SCI.
2
Joint and muscle pain (81%), muscle spasms (74%), chronic pain (71%), and bowel problems (71%) were the most prevalent secondary health conditions.
3
The prevalence of comorbidities increased with age, being highest among persons aged ≥76 years, while SHCs were most prevalent in the severity of SCI group C1–4 AIS A, B, and C.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of comorbidities and secondary health conditions (SHCs) in the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI) using data from the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI). The most common comorbidities were high blood pressure/hypertension and back problems, while the most common SHCs were joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, chronic pain, and bowel problems. The study concludes that further research is needed on geriatrics in SCI, non-traumatic SCI, and the needs of persons with cervical lesion AIS A, B, or C, due to the high prevalence of multimorbidity in these groups.

Practical Implications

Geriatric SCI Care

Emphasizes the importance of geriatric-related knowledge in SCI care, as the number of senior citizens with SCI is increasing.

Targeted Interventions

Highlights the need for targeted interventions for individuals with cervical lesions (AIS A, B, or C) and non-traumatic SCI, who experience a high prevalence of comorbidities and SHCs.

Pain Management

Stresses the importance of regular evaluation and effective management of secondary health conditions, particularly pain, in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Skewed data requiring cautious interpretation.
2
Younger population underrepresented in survey responses.
3
National reference data only available for four comorbidities, making analyses incomplete.

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