Adults with spina bifida: A cross‐sectional study of health issues and living conditions. Issue 8 (7th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bendt, Martina; Gabrielsson, Hanna; Riedel, Dorothee; Hagman, Göran; Hultling, Claes; Franzén, Erika; Eriksson, Mats; Seiger, Åke
• Is Part Of: Brain and behavior. Volume 10:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07
• Subjects: adult -- health issues -- living conditions -- myelomeningocele -- spina bifida; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-3279

Abstract

Abstract: 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. Abstract : The aim was to describe health issues and living conditions of adults with Spina bifida. Today, persons who have survived to the age of > 46 years had less complex medical conditions, better physical and cognitive functions, and had attained a higher level of education, leading to better prerequisites for living independently and participating in society. 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.