Quality of life among individuals with rugby-related spinal cord injuries in South Africa: a descriptive cross-sectional study

BMJ Open, 2018 · DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020890 · Published: January 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the quality of life (QoL) of rugby players in South Africa who have sustained spinal cord injuries (SCIs). It explores factors that influence their QoL, using a framework that considers body functions, activities, and participation in life situations. The study uses questionnaires to measure QoL and gathers information about demographics, independence levels, and participation in activities. Statistical analysis is then used to identify relationships between these factors and QoL. The results showed that participation in activities and income are significantly linked to overall QoL. The study also found that the number of health concerns, type of healthcare (public vs private), and level of education were associated with various aspects of QoL.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

90 rugby players with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Descriptive cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Participation in activities and income were significantly associated with overall QoL among rugby players with spinal cord injuries.
2
Participation was the only factor significantly associated with all QoL subdomains, including physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.
3
Lower levels of education, increased health concerns, and reliance on public healthcare were associated with lower levels of QoL.

Research Summary

This study investigates the quality of life (QoL) among individuals with rugby-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in South Africa, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to identify associated factors. The study found that participation and income are significantly associated with overall QoL, with participation being the only variable significantly associated with all QoL subdomains. The study concludes that sporting bodies have a responsibility to optimize player welfare by addressing modifiable factors associated with QoL, such as participation, income, education, health concerns, and healthcare access.

Practical Implications

Optimize Player Welfare

Sporting bodies should act on modifiable factors associated with reduced QoL after sport-related injury.

Tailored Interventions

Individuals with lower participation levels, lower income, certain education levels, increased health concerns, and reliance on public healthcare may benefit most from tailored interventions.

Promote Financial Self-Sufficiency

Sporting bodies could support individuals in creating alternative forms of financial self-sufficiency.

Study Limitations

1
Nuances of the questionnaires may have been lost for participants whose first language was neither Afrikaans nor English.
2
Factors relating to adjustment and mental health after SCI, such as coping strategies and psychological resources, were not investigated.
3
The study population consisted of previously active individuals, which may not be representative of the general SCI population.

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