Participation and satisfaction after spinal cord injury: results of a vocational and leisure outcome study

Abstract

Participation and satisfaction after spinal cord injury Schonherr, Marleen C.; Groothoff, J.W.; Mulder, GA; Eisma, WH; Schönherr, M.C. Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum. Objectives: Insight in (1) the changes in participation in vocational and leisure activities and (2) satisfaction with the current participation level of people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) after reintegration in society. Design: Descriptive analysis of data from a questionnaire. Setting: Rehabilitation centre with special department for patients with SCIs, Groningen, The Netherlands. Subjects: A total of 57 patients with traumatic SCI living in the community, who were admitted to the rehabilitation centre two to 12 years before the current assessment. Main outcome measures: Changes in participation in activities; current life satisfaction; support and unmet needs. Results: Participation expressed in terms of hours spent on vocational and leisure activities changed to a great extent after the SCI. This was mainly determined by a large reduction of hours spent on paid work. While 60% of the respondents successfully reintegrated in work, many changes took place in the type and extent of the job. Loss of work was partially compensated with domestic and leisure activities. Sports activities were reduced substantially. The change in participation level and compensation for the lost working hours was not significantly associated with the level of SCI-specific health problems and disabilities. As was found in other studies, most respondents were satisfied with their lives. Determinants of a negative life satisfaction several years following SCI were not easily indicated. Reduced quality of life was particularly related to an unsatisfactory work and leisure situation. Conclusions: Most people with SCI in this study group were able to resume work and were satisfied with their work and leisure situation.Spinal Cord (2005) 43, 241-248.

Appraisals, coping and adjustment pre and post SCI rehabilitation: a 2-year follow-up study

“…4,5 In fact, the majority of people with SCI report a high level of life satisfaction, 6 with research indicating that life satisfaction is directly related to involvement in productive activities, such as employment and leisure pursuits. 7 Qualitative studies highlight the importance of meaningful relationships, responsibility, a sense of control over one's own life and engagement in meaningful activity in increasing the individual's QOL. 8 Psychological problems (for example, depression and anxiety) following SCI also appear to be related to individual appraisals and coping responses rather than level of injury or functional impairment.…”

Sport, free time and hobbies in people with spinal cord injury

“…Physical, attitudinal and psychological obstacles, such as unaffordable equipment, no personal assistance, lack of personal motivation, fear of injury and feeling uncomfortable in socializing with able-bodied individuals, may reduce opportunities for sports activities and decrease the maintenance and growth of relationships after SCI. [9][10][11][12] The correlation among these aspects is not simple to investigate because 'participation' is a complex concept that includes a variety of outdoor activities, such as 'attendance of friends, relatives or colleagues during free time'; 'changing hobbies'; 'time spent outside the home'; 'practicing sports'; 'changes in vocational situation'; 13 and a range of psychological consequences, such as 'involvement in personal relationships'; 'changes in family situation'; 'happiness regarding the quality of sex life'; 'personal autonomy' and 'car driving' . 11 The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in participation, aimed at the attendance of friends/relatives/colleagues, car driving, hobby and sports activities of people after SCI and their impact on perceived QoL.…”

A multi-centre study of the community needs of people with spinal cord injuries: the first 18 months

“…In Tasiemski et al 10 sport participation and employment declined after injury due to reduced access to facilities, whereas in a separate study work and leisure time was found to reduce by 40% compared to preinjury status. 11 Access to employment has been recognized as particularly weak within the community for people with SCI. Furthermore, outpatients report a lack of informational support for them to pursue a specific job they had re-trained for and were provided with information for a more 'suitable' placement.…”