Psychological Quality of Life in and After Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Longitudinal Multicenter Study

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2003-197 · Published: July 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how quality of life (QOL) changes for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their close relatives during the first two years after the injury. Researchers collected data from multiple rehabilitation centers across several European countries, surveying participants at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years post-injury. The study found that while physical quality of life improves over time for SCI patients, cultural differences influence psychological and environmental aspects. Also, individuals with SCI and their close ones experience similar changes in QOL, especially in psychological well-being. The results suggest that focusing on psychological resources and environmental factors could enhance QOL for those with SCI. Further research should explore these cultural differences and how SCI and their close ones influence each other's well-being.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

292 patients with SCI and 55 close persons

Evidence Level

Longitudinal, multiple sample, multiple wave panel design

Key Findings

1
Individuals with SCI experienced improvements in their physical QOL over the two-year study period, suggesting adaptation and recovery after discharge from rehabilitation.
2
Cultural differences were observed, with German-speaking participants reporting higher QOL scores in the psychological and environmental domains compared to English-speaking participants.
3
The psychological QOL scores between individuals with SCI and their close persons did not significantly differ over time, indicating a shared experience of psychological well-being during the adjustment process.

Research Summary

This study examined the changes in QOL in individuals with SCI and their close persons during the first 2 years post injury across multiple European countries. The study found improvements in physical QOL for individuals with SCI over time, cultural differences in psychological and environmental QOL, and similar psychological QOL changes between individuals with SCI and their close persons. The research suggests a need for further exploration of cultural differences and the interplay between individuals with SCI and their close persons to enhance QOL.

Practical Implications

Tailored Interventions

Develop interventions targeting psychological aspects like coping strategies and appraisals to enhance long-term QOL for individuals with SCI.

Cultural Sensitivity

Consider cultural differences in QOL when providing rehabilitation and support services to individuals with SCI.

Family-Centered Approach

Recognize the shared experiences and mutual adjustment process between individuals with SCI and their close persons to optimize QOL outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Sample sizes diminished from 6 weeks to 2 years, potentially affecting the validity of findings.
2
Long intervals between follow-up assessments (12 months to 1 year and 1 year to 2 years).
3
The social dimension of the WHOQOL questionnaire includes a question about sexual life, which might be irrelevant during rehabilitation.

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