The quality of life of three functional spinal cord injury subgroups in a Swedish community

Abstract

SummaryVast community provisions in Sweden are intended to offer spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects equal opportunities and the same living standards as the able-bodied. This study on all 56 subjects representing 3 distinct functional subgroups, out of a consecutive series treated at a Spinal Unit, explored the skills used in a wide range of community living activities and the details of these subjects' quality of life (QL). C6-tetraplegics with complete lesions (n = 15), wheelchair-bound paraplegics (n = 23) and ambulant paraplegics (n = 18) varied in physical independence in proportion to their disabilities but disturbances of mood states and QL perception did not differ between groups or from a control population sample. Eighty per cent of the subjects were engaged in gainful employment or education. Work/education, home management and mobility in the neighbourhood were clearly restricted by more severe disability but social and recreational activities were not. Degree of social activity and ability to drive a car were closely associated with levels of mental well-being and of perceived QL. Access to transport and home-help services, appropriate housing and technical aids included few unmet subjective needs, possibly explaining why these environmental factors did not inhibit the activity levels of the study population. Extensive society support and stimulation can satisfy important needs and expectations of well-functioning SCI subjects. The spinal cord injured person is affected in several ways, both during the process of adjustment after injury and in his or her life situation following it. The limitations are both physical and psychological in nature, but some that can be improved are environmental and practical. We feel that it is timely to allow spinal QUALITY OF LIFE OF SWEDISH SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS 477 cord injury (SCI) persons themselves describe what constitutes the limitations of their community living.A few studies have examined the impact of physical functioning and of mental well-being on skills and activities of SCI persons' lives. Goldberg et al. (1980) found that the level of injury and the ability to perform self-care skills were related to their vocational status after discharge. MacDonald et al. (1987) reported that even mildly depressed SCI subjects were engaged in fewer self-care activities than were those who were not depressed, and that tetraplegics were overall less active than paraplegics. De Jong et al. (1984) found that marital status, education, transport barriers, economic disincentives and dependence in activities of daily living were the most important predictors of independent living.A better knowledge of the skills and activities actually practiced by the SCI persons in their own environment would make it possible to improve the strategy to train SCI persons and to further develop their environment. However, no such comprehensive studies appear to have been presented, to date.The primary aim of this study was thus to establish which social, recreational and vocationa...

Quality of life among people with high spinal cord injury living in the community

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“…3,4,[58][59][60][61]70,71,[86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93] In this study, it was impossible to differentiate the notion of social activities from the dual concepts of 'relationships' and 'doing'. When the participants spoke of their relationships with families and friends it was frequently in the context of activities: travelling, going out to restaurants, bars, theatres, concerts, etc.…”

Quality of life after spinal cord injury: a meta analysis of the effects of disablement components

“…After much study, it was decided to treat this as a single study. The two papers by SioÈ steen et al 23,41 also appear to describe the same sample, with the later publication having a larger size. They were also considered one sample.…”

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

“…Active involvement in activities and roles is strongly related to health and well being 1 and a high level of social activities leads to a better quality of life. 2 This study provides insight in the outcomes of vocational and leisure participation of people with SCI several years after their injury, as part of the International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health (ICF). 3 From a social point of view, return to work following SCI is regarded as one of the most important outcomes of reintegration in society.…”