Article

OBJECTIVES: Utilizing individuals with spinal
cord injury (SCI) as a representative population for physical disability, this
paper: (1) reviews the history of the concept of secondary conditions as it
applies to the health of individuals aging with long-term disabilities; (2)
proposes a definition of secondary health conditions (SHCs) and a conceptual
model for understanding the factors that are related to SHCs as individuals age
with a disability; and (3) discusses the implications of the model for the
assessment of SHCs and for developing interventions that minimize their
frequency, severity and negative effects on the quality of life of individuals
aging with SCI and other disabilities. METHODS: Key findings from research
articles, reviews and book chapters addressing the concept of SHCs in individuals
with SCI and other disabilities were summarized to inform the development of a
conceptual approach for measuring SCI-related SHCs. CONCLUSIONS: Terms used to
describe health conditions secondary to SCI and other physical disabilities are
used inconsistently throughout the literature. This inconsistency represents a
barrier to improvement, measurement and for the development of effective
interventions to reduce or prevent these health conditions and mitigate their
effects on participation and quality of life. A working definition of the term
SHCs is proposed for use in research with individuals aging with SCI, with the
goal of facilitating stronger evidence and increased knowledge upon which policy
and practice can improve the health and well-being of individuals aging with a
disability

Langue : ANGLAIS