Publication Date
8-1-2025
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
DOI
10.1177/18758894251333917
PMID
40255116
PMCID
PMC12421393
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
9-11-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined hospital and emergency department (ED) experiences of adults with spina bifida (SB), medical traumatic stress (MTS) and participant characteristics including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and resiliency scores.
Methods
Adults with SB who had a hospital or ED encounter within the last five years were recruited from a medical home clinic and completed a structured interview and validated questionnaires. Narrative inquiry was used and descriptive analyses were conducted. MTS scores were reported per participant characteristics and emotional health questionnaire score counts and percentages.
Results
Twenty-five adults with SB representing 37% of eligible patients were recruited. Most participants were positive for at least one MTS symptom cluster. There was an increased number of MTS symptom clusters for participants with higher depression, anxiety, and PTSD scores, and decreased MTS symptom clusters for those with increased resilience. The narrative analysis yielded three distinct themes: a negative hospital environment, SB-related condition concerns and complications, and positive support when in the hospital.
Conclusion
Further research with a larger study population is necessary to examine the extent to which MTS is present in individuals with SB of all ages, to understand how MTS symptoms may change with age and experience, and to identify risk and protective factors for emotional health in the presence of MTS. However, this study identified opportunities for improving healthcare experiences for this patient population, including facilitating communication, promoting self-advocacy, self-efficacy, resilience, and familial support which can be implemented for all age groups.
Keywords
Humans, Spinal Dysraphism, Male, Female, Adult, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Young Adult, Emergency Service, Hospital, Surveys and Questionnaires, Anxiety, Middle Aged, Depression, Resilience, Psychological, Adolescent, spina bifida, medical traumatic stress, care experience
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Fremion, Ellen; Deibler, Nora; Abel, Juliana; et al., "Hospital Experiences and Medical Traumatic Stress in Adults With Spina Bifida" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 6764.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/6764