Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey: A National, Comprehensive Study to Portray the Lives of Canadians with Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2003-249 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to portray the life situation of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Canada, focusing on their needs for services, community participation, and quality of life. The Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (SCICS) was developed to assess various aspects of community living, including demographics, health, SCI-specific needs, community participation, employment, quality of life, health care utilization, and overall health rating. The survey results will help service providers and policy makers focus on major issues to enhance quality of life after SCI by determining the links between various aspects of community living and service needs.

Study Duration

May 2011 and August 2012

Participants

1,549 persons with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Major expressed needs for services to support community living are met to a great extent for a substantial proportion of people with SCI.
2
Complications remain highly prevalent for some health issues, including pain, sexual dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders.
3
Some dimensions of quality of life are rated positively (eg, family life) while others are greatly disrupted (eg, sex life and physical health).

Research Summary

The Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (SCICS) in Canada comprehensively assessed needs, community participation, and quality of life among individuals with SCI. The survey identified significant differences between people with traumatic (TR) and nontraumatic (NT) SCI, highlighting the importance of analyzing these groups separately. Key findings include that while many needs are being met, secondary health conditions remain prevalent and certain aspects of community participation and quality of life are greatly affected.

Practical Implications

Informed Service Provision

The study findings can help service providers better understand the needs and challenges faced by people with SCI in the community.

Policy Development

The results can inform policy makers about gaps in services and support, guiding them to create more effective interventions.

Targeted Interventions

Identifying specific areas of unmet needs and difficulties in community participation allows for the development of targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Recruitment process did not allow for randomized selection, creating potential selection bias.
2
Study relies on self-reported data, which cannot be validated by external data.
3
Predefined response categories may have constrained participants.

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