Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2007 · DOI: · Published: May 1, 2007

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Pulmonology

Simple Explanation

This study looked at factors affecting the quality of life for people with long-term spinal cord injuries. It used a special questionnaire designed for those with SCI to measure quality of life. The research considered things like age, employment, injury severity, and how people get around (mobility). It also looked at breathing problems and lung function, which haven't been studied much before in relation to quality of life in SCI. The findings help identify things that could be changed to improve the well-being of people with SCI. Addressing these factors may lead to a better quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

5 Years

Participants

356 participants ≥ 1 yr post-SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Age, employment status, severity of injury, and mobility significantly impact quality of life. Older participants and those with more severe injuries reported lower HRQoL scores.
2
Respiratory issues like chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath are linked to lower quality of life. Addressing these respiratory symptoms could improve HRQoL.
3
Reduced lung function (lower FEV1 and FVC) is associated with decreased quality of life, specifically in the functioning domain. Improving pulmonary function may improve HRQoL.

Research Summary

This study assessed factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) using an SCI-specific questionnaire. It examined sociodemographic factors, injury-related factors, respiratory health, comorbidities, and functional status. The results showed that age, employment status, motor level and completeness of injury, and mobility were independently associated with HRQoL. Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function were also significantly associated with HRQoL. The study identifies potentially modifiable factors that, if addressed, may lead to HRQoL improvement in SCI. These findings can help clinicians understand the impact of interventions on HRQoL as measured by the SCI QL-23 instrument.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Clinicians can focus on modifiable factors such as respiratory symptoms and employment status to improve HRQoL in SCI patients.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation programs should emphasize improving mobility and functional ability to enhance HRQoL.

Clinical Assessments

The SCI QL-23 instrument can be used to monitor HRQoL and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The variance explained by the regression models was modest, suggesting additional factors influence HRQoL.
2
The study had limited representation of females and minorities, potentially overlooking factors specific to these populations.
3
Colinearity between independent and dependent variables may exist due to the use of a disease-specific HRQoL instrument.

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