PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PERSONS LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY IN NORWAY

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2858 · Published: June 29, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Having paid work, leisure-time activities and good rela- tionships with other people is important for one’s quality of life. For people living with spinal cord injury, it may be more difficult to participate in such activities than it is for people without health problems. A survey on participation problems was carried out among Norwegians living with spinal cord injury. Sociodemographic factors, such as family income and education, were found to have a greater impact on quality of life and participation, than the severity of the injury itself. Participation was strongly associated with life satisfaction and mental health. This indicates that participation issues should be given greater priority.

Study Duration

2011-2017 (registry) with follow-up in 2019

Participants

339 people living with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Overall, sociodemographic characteristics were more prominently associated with quality of life and participation than were spinal cord injury characteristics.
2
Currently working as main activity and having a family income in the highest quartile were associated with higher scores on all 4 measures of participation and quality of life.
3
There was a strong gradient between higher level of participation (frequency and restrictions) and better quality of life.

Research Summary

Overall, sociodemographic characteristics were more prominently associated with QoL and participation than were SCI characteristics. In particular, participants who reported to be currently working as their main activity and had a high family income had higher scores on all 4 measures of participation and QoL than those who were not working and had lower income. There was a strong gradient between participation (frequency and restrictions) and QoL (life satisfaction and mental health).

Practical Implications

Prioritize Participation in Rehabilitation

Participation issues should be given greater priority during post-acute rehabilitation, follow-up, and subsequent care efforts in the community.

Address Sociodemographic Factors

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the impact of age on life satisfaction, mental health, and participation opportunities, and target modifiable social factors like employment.

Promote Work Participation and Education

Special attention should be paid to raising the competency of persons living with SCI in promoting work participation, creating participation opportunities, and embarking on further education.

Study Limitations

1
The observational study design must be considered when interpreting the results; conclusions on causal associations cannot be made.
2
The fact that half of the invited persons did not participate in the survey, may cause selection bias.
3
No information about household composition was available and we were not able to calculate equivalent household income as recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.

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