UCLA

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating event causing a significant burden to individuals, their family members and society. In the United States (US), it is estimated 276,000 individuals are living with a SCI and it is projected that 12,500 new SCI cases are reported each year. Individuals with a physical impairment such as SCI often develop a pressure ulcer (PU), which may be prevented. There is a correlation to the development of PU’s from poor nutritional status and poor nutritional intake. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between macronutrient and micronutrient intake, anthropometric measurements, psychosocial, disability, and nutritional status measurements among community dwelling non-ambulatory persons with a (SCI) with and without (PU’s).

Methods: Participants were SCI individuals living in the community with and without a PU and were recruited from home health agencies and SCI rehabilitation facilities. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, nutritional assessment tools, skin assessment, and anthropometric measurement over 4 days consisting of one initial visit and a second visit on day four. Macro and micronutrient intake data was collected using a 3-day self-reported food log. Psychosocial factors were measured via structured questionnaire administered during the initial home visit. Nutritional status measurements included the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form.Disability status measurements included World Health Organization Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0, and Spinal Cord Injury-Secondary Condition Scale (SCI-SCS). The sample included 80 participants, 40 with and 40 without PUs.

Results: This study found significant and clinical differences in micro and macronutrient intake among participants with and without PU indicating persons with SCI are at some nutritional risk.

Conclusions: Participants consumed inadequate dietary intake in both quantity and quality. Participants with PU are not getting enough protein. Calories are within the recommended daily allowances; however, those calories are coming from cholesterol, carbohydrates, saturated fat, and can lead to decrease in wound healing and increase their risk for secondary condition such as cardiovascular disease.