Abuse and Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and Dysfunction

The purpose of this study was to investigate abuse of individuals with spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCI/D) by: 1) estimating the percentage of individuals who experience abuse: 2) exploring predictors of abuse; and 3) exploring the impact of abuse on health in members of this population. To achieve these aims, we used a descriptive cross-sectional design and surveyed 290 participants. Participants reported high rates of abuse. Predictors of abuse during adulthood included physical dependency, a history of childhood abuse, and a history of previous abuse as an adult with SCI/D. Abuse significantly predicted negative mental health outcomes in this population.