A comparison of women and men with spinal cord injury

While research on spinal cord injury (SCI) is abundant, few studies focus on women. This population-based study investigates differences in the prevalence of secondary conditions between 128 women and 522 men. Case managers retrospectively interviewed 650 persons regarding medical and psychological conditions secondary to SCI, as well as other life issues. Overall, males and females show more similarities than differences in the ways in which they manage life with SCI. Differences were found, though, regarding etiology of initial injury, insurance coverage, caregiver use, transportation use, medication use, and in other medical and behavioral areas. Females are significantly involved in more automobile crashes than males, while males are involved in more falls than females. Females are more reliant on Medicaid, while males report more Medicare and Worker's Compensation coverage. Females are more likely to have a paid attendant as a caregiver while males are more likely to have their spouse or parents assist. Males report more independence in their use of transportation than females. Males and females also report significant differences in the use of medication. Females are more likely to use medication any time it is a treatment option. Males are more active, use tobacco more and have more arm fractures postinjury than females.