Secondary conditions: Concepts, identification and intervention

Secondary conditions is the term used to identify conditions arising because of a primary diagnosis. Secondary conditions extend beyond the medical conditions and include psychosocial issues and difficulty participating in life activities. This presentation will include the basic concepts associated with secondary conditions, as well as placing them within a conceptual framework, the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps. The data is from a sample of 50 adolescents with spina bifida at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah, USA. The Secondary Conditions Surveillance Instalment was completed as part of a larger study. Results indicated that Bladder Incontinence received the highest Problem Index, with Learning and Memory problems, Fitness, Initiation and Mobility next, respectively. The specific conditions will be discussed using the ICIDH perspective. Comparisons with a sample of adults with disabilities suggest that there may be condition-specific effects as well as family-generated issues, whereas ageing may be more involved with secondary conditions of adults. Prevention and intervention strategies will be discussed.