Psychological factors affecting alcohol use after spinal cord injury

Study design: Cross-sectional. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess risk factors, including personality and socioeconomic indicators, with alcohol use among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: A large rehabilitation hospital in the Southeastern United States. Methods: A total of 1549 participants responded to a survey on outcomes after SCI. We used polychotomous logistic regression to assess the relationships of personality and socioeconomic factors with alcohol use. Results: In this study population, 19.3% were heavy drinkers, 29.4% moderate and 51.7% abstinent. Annual household income and education were both associated with heavy alcohol use, with persons with higher income or education more likely to be heavy drinkers. Impulsive sensation seeking, neuroticism-anxiety and aggression-hostility were associated with increased odds of heavy drinking. Conclusion: This study adds to the body of evidence indicating a substantial portion of individuals with SCI are heavy drinkers, and that personality and socioeconomic status are associated with heavy drinking. Spinal Cord (2011) 49, 637-642; doi: 10.1038/sc.2010.160; published online 23 November 2010