Work participation among persons with traumatic spinal cord injury and meningomyelocele1.
OBJECTIVE
To study injury-related and individual factors as predictors of work participation in persons with traumatic and congenital spinal cord injury.


METHODS
Cross-sectional questionnaire study.


METHODS
One hundred and eighty-two persons with traumatic spinal cord injury treated in the Spinal Injuries Unit in Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden, and 48 persons with meningomyelocele admitted to the Young Adult Teams in Göteborg, Borås and Skövde, Sweden.


METHODS
A structured questionnaire was sent by post. Main outcome variable was participation in work. Logistic regression modelling was used to study the associations between the potential predictors and work participation.


RESULTS
Employment rates were 47% in the traumatic spinal cord injury group and 38% in the meningomyelocele group. The presence of other somatic or mental disorder, and neuropathic pain decreased work participation among the men with traumatic spinal cord injury. Among persons with meningomyelocele, better ambulatory status and higher educational level increased work participation. In all groups higher independence in daily activities increased the probability of work participation. According to multivariable modelling carried out for the men with traumatic spinal cord injury, age over 55 years and the presence of mental disorder decreased work participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that work participation is affected by individual and injury-related factors. Of the latter, many can be affected by rehabilitation.
Valtonen
Kirsi
K
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden. kirsi.valtonen@pp.inet.fi
Karlsson
Ann-Katrin
AK
Alaranta
Hannu
H
Viikari-Juntura
Eira
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work