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标题：Assistive Technology Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Spina Bifida
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作者：Kurt L. Johnson ; Brian Dudgeon ; Carrie Kuehn 等
期刊名称：American journal of public health
印刷版ISSN：0090-0036
出版年度：2007
卷号：97
期号：2
页码：330-336
DOI：10.2105/AJPH.2004.050955
语种：English
出版社：American Public Health Association
摘要：Objectives. We sought to determine the use of assistive technology among a population of individuals with spina bifida. Methods. We performed a descriptive analysis of individuals aged 13 to 27 years diagnosed with myelomeningocele (n=348) using data obtained from an existing database at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. We summarized disease characteristics, utilization of assistive technology, community and self-care independence, and other variables. Results. Eighty-four percent of the respondents lived with at least 1 of their natural parents. Fifty-seven percent used wheelchairs, 35% used braces, and 23% used walking aids. Independent self-care was a common skill, but 72% reported limited participation in structured activities. Half were aged 18 years or older; of those, only 50% had completed high school and 71% were unemployed. Those aged younger than 18 years were all still in school (100%). Conclusions. Adolescents and young adults with spina bifida rely on assistive technology and specialized care routines to maintain their health. Assistive technology use for mobility is common; little is known about secondary complications associated with use of these technologies or the use of assistive technology to address learning disabilities and other societal barriers. Underutilization of assistive technology could delay successful transitions to independent living and community participation. Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most commonly occurring neural tube defects and affect approximately 2500 births per year in the United States, though rates have been steadily declining for decades. 1 ^– 3 Most cases (70%) of spina bifida and anencephaly, as well as other birth defects, can be prevented by consumption of at least 400 micrograms (μg) of folic acid by women of childbearing age prior to conception and during pregnancy. 1 Since the implementation in 1996 of folic acid supplementation of enriched grain products, the prevalence of neural tube defects has declined by as much as 26%. 4 ^, 5 Although it is logical to assume that individuals with spina bifida are candidates to use assistive technologies, comprehensive reviews of their actual use and effect on performance have been relatively sparse. No data are available indicating the prevalence of use for different types of assistive technology by people with spina bifida. In addition, few rigorous evaluations of the public health benefits and rehabilitation outcomes from use of assistive technology by people with spina bifida have been conducted. Based on our review of the literature and clinical experience, we expect that individuals with spina bifida utilize assistive technology to enable or enhance mobility, manipulative skills, personal care independence, and cognitive performance.