Open AccessAdults with spina bifida: A cross‐sectional study of health issues and living conditions
Author(s) -
Bendt Martina,
Gabrielsson Hanna,
Riedel Dorothee,
Hagman Göran,
Hultling Claes,
Franzén Erika,
Eriksson Mats,
Seiger Åke
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.1736
Subject(s) - spina bifida , medicine , psychomotor learning , cross sectional study , cognition , overweight , pediatrics , gerontology , body mass index , psychiatry , pathology
Objective To describe health issues and living conditions in a cohort of adults living with Spina bifida. Material and methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team. Adults with spina bifida ( n = 219) were invited to participate. One‐hundred‐and‐ninety‐six persons (104 women and 92 men; 18–73 years, median age 33 years) were included. Structured interviews, questionnaires, and clinical assessments for medical, social, physical, and cognitive functions were used. Results There was large variation among participants as regards the consequences of their spina bifida. Individuals < 46 years seemed to have more secondary conditions such as hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation, tethered cord symptoms, and latex allergy. A higher proportion of the individuals > 46 years and older was able to walk, and they had performed better in primary school and on tests of psychomotor speed and executive function. Conclusions This study demonstrates that adults with spina bifida have a complex set of physical, cognitive, and social needs that need to be addressed in order to improve their health issues and living conditions. The high prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence, pain, and overweight underline that these issues need much attention during follow‐up. The future generations of older adults may need more attention in many ways, since they at a younger age do have more complex medical conditions, lower physical and cognitive functions, and lower prerequisites for independent living and participation in society than those > 46 years today. This elucidates that adults with spina bifida need systematic follow‐up services and social support throughout life.