Psychosocial outcomes following spinal cord injury in Iran

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to long-term complications affecting social, family, education, employment, and financial aspects of a patient's life, especially impacting young adults during their prime. Returning to the community, maintaining good communication with family and friends, and living independently are important issues for people with SCI and their families, requiring special services to improve their quality of life. Effective communication is crucial for maintaining a strong family unit as family members of persons with SCI are involved in problematic aspects related to revenue, time allocation for care, and changes in social activities.

• 1
  Financial hardship due to unemployment and the high cost of living are major psychosocial problems for persons with SCI, followed by difficulties with transportation, house modification, education, marriage, social communication, sports, and entertainment.
• 2
  Psychological problems, including sadness, depression, irritability/anger, suicidal thoughts, and a lack of self-confidence, are prevalent among persons with SCI, with the levels of these problems varying with respect to sex.
• 3
  Transportation difficulties can lead to unsociability, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social challenges faced by individuals with SCI.