Exploring prevention and management of secondary health conditions in people with spinal cord injury in South Africa

Background/Aims Preventative care for people with spinal cord injury is neglected, even though secondary health conditions are prevalent among this group. There is limited information on preventative care for secondary health conditions among people with spinal cord injury. This study aimed to explore how people with spinal cord injury prevent and manage secondary health conditions. Methods A total of 17 individuals with spinal cord injury attending an outpatients clinic at a public rehabilitation hospital were interviewed face to face. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The participants used different strategies to prevent and manage secondary health conditions, such as medication, assistive devices, self-management, resilience coping strategies and therapeutic approaches. The participants found prevention of secondary health conditions ‘challenging’ and some of the strategies were ineffective. Conclusions Although many strategies are used by people with spinal cord injury to prevent and manage secondary health conditions, the experience is difficult. To minimise the occurrence and the consequence of secondary health conditions among people with spinal cord injury, health professionals must promote and support preventative care for secondary health conditions.