SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY AT A PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in the partial or total loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, along with various psycho-emotional complications, impacting both individuals and their families. The objective of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with SCI at hospital discharge from a rehabilitation and long-term care unit. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from hospitalized patients between January and December 2022. Results: The mean age of patients was 42.4 ± 13.7 years, and most were male (84.9%). More than half the participants (56.6%) had not completed high school, and 56.6% were single. Traumatic SCI accounted for 83.0% of cases, and the primary causes were falls from height (31.8%), gunshot wounds (25.0%), and automobile accidents (22.7%). Younger patients had better functional outcomes, while those with intermediate hospitalizations (91‒180 days) demonstrated the highest percentage of improvement in functional dependence (60.0%) compared with other patient groups. Medications commonly prescribed at hospital discharge included those for pain and gastrointestinal symptom management. Conclusion: Our findings provide crucial insights for managing this health service and contribute to the epistemological advancement in a relatively underexplored area.