Risk and protective factors for secondary conditions: A 15-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the first of 3 research studies under the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Secondary Conditions in Individuals with SCI. Methods: This study will assess, through survey methodology, various proposed risk and protective factors for an array of secondary conditions after spinal cord injury (SCI). Data collection is part of a 15-year longitudinal assessment of a cohort of persons with SCI. Conclusion: Results of this study will help us to identify persons at risk for future secondary conditions and to develop appropriate preventive strategies to prevent the occurrence of secondary conditions. © 2010 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.