Associations between health behaviour, secondary health conditions and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury

This study explores the connection between lifestyle choices, the presence of other health issues, and overall well-being in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It looks at how behaviors like exercise and self-care relate to their quality of life. The research involved 36 people with SCI who completed questionnaires about their habits, independence, any additional health problems they faced, their support systems, and their quality of life. The data was analyzed to see if there were any links between these factors. The study found that engaging in healthy behaviors was linked to a better quality of life and more support from family and friends. Also, not taking part in specific exercises for muscles and bones was connected to having more secondary health conditions.

• 1
  Participation in health-benefiting behavior was associated with increased QOL (r = 0.457, p < 0.01) and increased social support from family and friends (r = 0.425, p < 0.01).
• 2
  Increased social support from family and friends was associated with increased QOL (r = 0.671, p < 0.001).
• 3
  Not participating in specific neuromusculoskeletal health behaviours was found to be associated with the overall presence of SHCs (r = -0.426, p < 0.01).