Predicting Psychosocial Outcomes Using a Brief Measure of Quality of Life in a Sample of People with Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2003-191 · Published: July 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Quality of life is difficult to define and measure, especially after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Existing measures are often too long or measure related concepts like life satisfaction instead. This study uses a brief, single-item measure to assess quality of life (QOL) in people with SCI and compares their scores to those of nondisabled individuals. The study explores the relationship between QOL and other factors like depression, social interaction, pain, and fatigue. The research indicates that individuals with SCI generally report lower QOL compared to those without disabilities. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing depression and promoting social interaction to improve the QOL of individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

134 people with SCI (65% male, 35% female) and 227 nondisabled people (35% male, 65% female)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants with SCI reported more low QOL scores and fewer high QOL scores than the nondisabled group, indicating a generally lower perception of QOL among individuals with SCI.
2
QOL was positively related to life satisfaction and social interaction, suggesting that these factors contribute to a higher perceived QOL among individuals with SCI.
3
QOL was negatively related to pain, fatigue, and depression, indicating that these factors can significantly decrease the perceived QOL among individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated the use of a brief QOL measure in people with SCI. It aimed to determine associations with clinical outcomes and compare scores with nondisabled individuals. The results showed that people with SCI reported lower QOL than nondisabled individuals. QOL was related to life satisfaction, social interaction, pain, fatigue, and depression, but not level of functioning. The authors suggest that addressing depression and social interaction could improve QOL in people with SCI, even with physical limitations. The study supports the use of a brief QOL measure in clinical settings.

Practical Implications

Clinical Screening

A brief QOL measure can be included in patient screening to identify potential problems like depression, pain or fatigue.

Targeted Interventions

Interventions should focus on addressing depression and promoting social interaction to improve QOL in individuals with SCI.

Realistic Expectations

Clients with SCI should be made aware that they can achieve a suitable level of QOL with appropriate effort and guidance, regardless of their level of functioning.

Study Limitations

1
The sample was only from the Southern California area.
2
This study was also conducted using a convenience sample, rather than a randomized or matched design.
3
These data were collected using primarily paper and pencil measures, so there is a need to try them out in the clinical setting.

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