Internet Research

Many studies of biopsychosocial adjustment following spinal cord injury (SCI) have been undertaken through the years; however, none before investigated the relative effects of orientation to life, environmental, and impairment factors on the perceived health related quality of life of persons with SCI. In this study individuals with SCI were surveyed following their initial medical treatment and discharge into the community, with a mean time since injury of nearly 15 years. The investigation utilized the Internet to collect data, a new survey methodology for studying persons with disabilities (PWDs). This research methodological approach with PWDs holds much promise as an epidemiological tool. However, there are many unknowns regarding the extent to which PWDs have access to computers and the Internet. Furthermore, the representativeness of the samples obtained may be limited regarding racial and ethnic background and socioeconomic status. Nevertheless, computer use and access to the Internet represent opportunities for PWDs to express their concerns and disclose their needs in ways not possible without the use of this technology.