Knowledge and awareness assessment of bone loss and fracture risk after spinal cord injury

Bone loss at skeletal sites predominantly below the neurological lesion is a known secondary complication following spinal cord injury (SCI); however, patient awareness of post-SCI bone loss and treatment is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and describe current education and awareness of bone loss among adults with SCI.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 138 adults with SCI, who completed a survey regarding knowledge and awareness of post-SCI bone health as part of a larger study. Self-reported demographic information and assessments of bone health knowledge were analyzed.ResultsApproximately 20% (n = 28) of participants had never heard of bone mineral density (BMD), 25% (n = 34) only vaguely remembered that BMD was mentioned during their hospitalization/rehabilitation after SCI, 36% (n = 50) clearly remembered that BMD was mentioned during their hospitalization/rehabilitation, and 17% (n = 24) reported having an individual or group education session on causes and management of low BMD during rehabilitation. Only 30% (n = 42) of participants believed they had adequate knowledge on the subject, while 70% (n = 96) believed their knowledge was inadequate or were unsure. Most participants (73%, n = 101) reported being concerned about the risks of low BMD after SCI and were interested in learning more about prevention (76%, n = 105) and treatment options (78%, n = 108).ConclusionsWhile results suggest that most participants received some information regarding bone health in post-SCI care, over 70% of participants reported wanting more information about bone loss prevention and treatment, indicating bone health education is a patient priority in this population.