CAREGIVING, PARTICIPATION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CLOSEST NEXT OF KIN OF PERSONS LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY IN NORWAY

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v54.2162 · Published: March 9, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Social Support

Simple Explanation

A spinal cord injury (SCI) often drastically disrupts the lives of both the individuals with SCI and the people surrounding them, such as family members. Caregiving for a loved one with SCI involves both physical and emotional investment. A survey was carried out of the caregivers of 73 persons living with SCI in Norway to assess their life situation. Caregiver strain may be reduced by strengthening the ability of the caregiver to cope with emotional challenges.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

73 next of kin of persons with SCI in Norway

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Three-quarters of participants reported good mental health and life satisfaction, while one-quarter reported high levels of caregiver strain, especially related to emotional adjustments.
2
Higher levels of caregiver strain were reported by participants of working age (< 67 years), and by those with middle level education.
3
Being the next of kin of a person in impairment group tetraplegia AIS A–C (most severe disability) was associated with reporting higher objective burden of care.

Research Summary

In this survey of 73 next of kin, investigating how they experience various life areas, 3 out of 4 next of kin reported good mental health and life satisfaction. Only a few of the studied characteristics showed significant associations with different life areas, such as that those of working age and having a middle level of education had higher levels of caregiver strain, and that female next of kin tended to express higher levels of overall burden than males. Strengthening the experience of positive aspects of caregiving may enhance better mental health of next of kin.

Practical Implications

Emotional Adjustment Support

Caregivers need support in coping with emotional challenges related to their role.

Targeted Interventions

Interventions, such as caregiver counselling, could be useful to reduce subjective burden of care for those most at risk.

Rehabilitation Considerations

The findings of this study indicate that there are aspects of the life of the closest next of kin of a person with SCI that should be considered during SCI patient rehabilitation, in order to support the everyday life of caregivers.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size due to only 27% of persons with SCI providing contact information for their next of kin.
2
Potential for bias as persons with SCI with a poor relationship with their next of kin were less interested in providing contact information.
3
Generalizability of the findings is hampered by the low response rate.

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