The meaning of self-care in persons with cervical spinal cord injury in Japan: a qualitative study

BMC Neurology, 2013 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-115 · Published: September 4, 2013

Patient Experience Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores what self-care means to people in Japan with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCI). It looks at how they see their role in taking care of themselves, especially since they often need help from others. The research found that rehabilitation programs mainly focus on physical abilities for daily tasks, but may not teach enough about overall health. Also, family members often take on a lot of the care, which can make it hard for individuals to feel independent. The study suggests that personal motivation for self-care can be affected by social expectations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding both personal feelings and social norms to improve care and quality of life for people with CSCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

29 participants with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI)

Evidence Level

Qualitative study using grounded theory approach

Key Findings

1
Rehabilitation programs in Japan primarily focus on improving physical functions for daily living activities (ADLs) but often lack comprehensive health education.
2
Family caregivers' active involvement in self-care can lead participants to rely entirely on them, potentially hindering the development of self-esteem related to their bodies.
3
Participants found that self-care is not merely about independence in ADLs but also about self-management to enhance health and well-being, necessitating collaborative relationships with caregivers.

Research Summary

This study explored the meaning of self-care among individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) in Japan, revealing a shift from a focus on activities of daily living (ADLs) to self-management for overall health and well-being. The research identified that while rehabilitation programs emphasize physical function, they often lack comprehensive health education, and family caregivers' extensive involvement can sometimes hinder the development of self-esteem and independence. The study concludes that personal factors influencing self-care are intertwined with sociocultural expectations, emphasizing the need for healthcare practices and community support to consider both personal and social influences to promote health and quality of life for individuals with CSCI.

Practical Implications

Enhance Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs should incorporate comprehensive health education alongside physical training to empower individuals with CSCI to actively manage their health and well-being.

Promote Collaborative Care

Encourage collaborative relationships between individuals with CSCI and their caregivers, fostering autonomy and shared decision-making to improve engagement in self-care.

Address Sociocultural Factors

Healthcare providers and policymakers need to consider the influence of sociocultural expectations on self-care practices and develop interventions that promote independence and psychosocial well-being.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges limitations regarding personal factors like readiness to learn and gender influences.
2
The study may not fully represent the entire CSCI population in Japan due to the younger age at injury and more severe injury types in the sample.
3
There were limitations derived from the unavailability of enough female participants.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Patient Experience