Factors associated with home discharge for individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries: Analysis according to age group.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with home discharge in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (cSCI) according to age group.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Hospital or rehabilitation centers specializing in spinal cord injuries in Japan.

Methods: The subjects were individuals with cSCI who were registered in the National Spinal Cord Injury Database between April 2000 and March 2019 and hospitalized for rehabilitation purposes. The subjects were stratified into three groups: 18-34 years old (young-aged group), 35-64 years old (middle-aged group), and 65 years and older (old-aged group). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with home discharge in each age group.

Results: In the logistic regression analysis, the variables extracted as factors related to home discharge were: in the young-aged group, independence in bathing (odds ratio [OR]: 4.55), independence in toilet transfer (OR: 4.45), and high cervical (C1-C4) neurological level of injury (OR: 3.16). In the middle-aged group, living with others (OR: 3.36), independence in toilet transfer (OR: 5.74), and independence on stairs (OR: 3.58) were extracted. In the old-aged group, living with others (OR: 14.16), independence in bladder management (OR: 7.74), independence in locomotion (OR: 4.55), and good cognitive function (OR: 2.91) were extracted.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the factors associated with home discharge for individuals with cSCI have different characteristics in each age group. Additionally, factors common to all age groups, such as transfers and toileting, were identified. Appropriate support depending on the age group is necessary for home discharge.