Secondary Conditions Experienced by Adults with Injury-Related Disabilities in Montana

Secondary conditions have recently emerged as a major issue affecting the health and independence of people with disabilities, but little is known about their prevalence or severity. The rates and severity of secondary conditions experienced by adults living in Montana (the second-most rural state) with disabilities related to injuries were assessed and were compared to rates of secondary conditions observed through state-wide surveillance of adults with disabilities related to other physical impairments. Survey techniques were used to collect self-reported experience with secondary conditions. Adult consumers of three centers for independent living, residents of three reservations, and a random selection of 1,000 from the state's handicapped parking registry were surveyed. Participants rated the severity of their experience with 40 secondary conditions. Data were analyzed using simple statistical procedures. Respondents reported experiencing an average of 15 secondary conditions annually. These data show a striking similarity in problems experienced across groups of people with different impairments, including problems of mobility, pain, physical conditioning, fatigue, access, sleep disturbances, contracture, depression, spasticity, and eating and weight regulation. The health and independence of adults with disabilities related to physical impairments do not appear to be as good as might be expected, even after years of community living experience. Eight of the top 12 problems might be addressed through wellness or lifestyle management programs.