Examining Lifetime Abuse Experiences of People with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To examine lifetime abuse among people with SCI and its relation to demographic and disability characteristics and physical and psychological health. <h3>Design</h3> Cross-sectional survey study. <h3>Setting</h3> Online survey with alternate formats offered. <h3>Participants</h3> A diverse national sample of 346 people with SCI. <h3>Interventions</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Lifetime abuse was examined using the Abuse Assessment Screen-Disability (AAS-D) which assesses physical, sexual, and disability-related abuse. We measured physical health with the SF-36 General Health Scale and the SCI Secondary Conditions Scale. We used the PHQ-8, GAD-7, PTSD Checklist-Civilian, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale to assess psychological health and well-being. <h3>Results</h3> More than a third of participants reported abuse. Physical abuse was most frequently reported (30%) followed by disability-related (17%) and sexual (9%) abuse. Few demographic or disability characteristics were related to abuse; however, women were significantly more likely to have experienced sexual abuse than men (20% versus 2%). Sexual abuse was also reported more often by those employed. Physical abuse was reported more often by those formerly married and was inversely related to income. Disability-related abuse was not related to any demographic characteristics but was significantly related to self-reported care needs. All three types of abuse were related to physical and psychological health. Entering all three abuse types in regression models, only disability abuse uniquely predicted all four measures of psychological health and well-being. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The SCI literature on abuse is extremely limited. Our results suggest a sizeable number of people with SCI have experienced abuse, and this experience may have health ramifications. Disability-related abuse, which differentially affects those with greater care needs, should not be underestimated in scope or impact. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.