Business Intelligence for Big Data Analytics

Abstract

Little is known about lifestyle risks among people with disabilities. Does having a disability alter one's opportunity for lifestyle risk, either through accessibility, paralysis or other aspects of the disability? The study assessed twelve areas of known health risk and three additional areas of potential risk associated with the disability in a sample of 78 individuals with spinal cord injuries. Data were collected using the Lyndhurst Computerized Health Risk Assessment (LCHRA). The study showed that at least 50% of the spinal cord injured population express concern over sexual functioning, bladder management and weight. Further, when compared to the general population, the results show that the spinal cord injured group may be at increased health risk due to diet, physical activity, obesity, prescription and non-prescription drug use, caffeine use and depression. These health behaviours are shown to be affected by demographic and injury related variables, such as age, gender and duration and level of disability. The study provides direction and support for addressing lifestyle and long-term health issues with adults with spinal cord injuries both at the point of rehabilitaton and following return to the community.