Informal Caregivers’ Perceptions of Facilitators of Successful Weight Management for People With Spinal Cord Injury

American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ ajot.2023.050093 · Published: May 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Nutrition & Dietetics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) perceive the factors that help with successful weight management. It highlights the importance of caregivers' insights in developing effective weight management plans. The study identifies four key themes that caregivers believe facilitate weight management: healthy eating, exercise and therapy, accessibility, and leisure activity/activities of daily living. These themes encompass various sub-factors such as food content, self-control, access to resources, and the integration of activities into daily routines. The findings suggest that occupational therapists should consider these caregiver-identified facilitators when designing weight management plans for people with SCI. Effective communication between therapists, caregivers, and individuals with SCI is crucial for addressing specific needs and promoting healthy behaviors.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 informal caregivers of people with SCI

Evidence Level

Descriptive qualitative design

Key Findings

1
Healthy eating is facilitated by factors like healthy food content (vegetables, fruits, lean protein), self-control, self-management in eating habits, and a pre-injury lifestyle that incorporated healthy eating.
2
Exercise and therapy, including occupational or physical therapy, receiving hands-on help or setup for exercise, and access to resources like gyms and assistive technology, are important facilitators of weight management.
3
Accessibility to outdoor environments, communities, and accessible home environments significantly contributes to weight management efforts for people with SCI.

Research Summary

This qualitative study investigates informal caregivers’ perceptions of facilitators for successful weight management in people with SCI. The study identifies key themes related to healthy eating, exercise and therapy, accessibility, and the role of leisure activities and ADLs. The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating caregiver feedback into weight management plans developed by occupational therapists. Effective communication and a collaborative approach involving caregivers, therapists, and individuals with SCI are crucial for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. The study suggests that addressing accessibility issues and leveraging existing therapy services and community resources can significantly improve weight management outcomes for people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Incorporate Caregiver Insights

Occupational therapists should actively seek and incorporate the insights of informal caregivers when developing weight management plans for individuals with SCI.

Promote Accessible Environments

Healthcare providers should work with individuals with SCI and their caregivers to identify and address accessibility barriers in their homes and communities to facilitate physical activity and healthy eating.

Enhance Therapy and Exercise Programs

Occupational therapy practitioners should leverage therapy sessions to address weight management, focusing on meaningful activities, goal setting, and the use of assistive technology.

Study Limitations

1
The generalizability of the findings is limited by the sample being drawn from two institutions.
2
The study reflects caregivers' perceptions, not necessarily those of the individuals with SCI themselves.
3
The study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias.

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