Changes in health-related quality of life among older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord, 2021 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00579-0 · Published: November 12, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study examines the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults who have been living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) for many years. The goal was to see how their quality of life changed over a 6-year period and what factors might be related to those changes. The study found that, overall, the participants reported a relatively high and stable quality of life. However, there were significant variations among individuals in different aspects of their quality of life, such as physical functioning and emotional well-being. Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with less severe spinal cord injuries (AIS D) may need increased attention to prevent declines in their mood and overall quality of life. This suggests that even those with less severe injuries can face unique challenges as they age.

Study Duration

6 years

Participants

77 individuals with long-term SCI

Evidence Level

Longitudinal cohort study

Key Findings

1
Older adults with long-term SCI can maintain a relatively high and stable level of HRQoL over time, but there are large individual variations in HRQoL domains.
2
Tetraplegia AIS A–C injury was significantly associated with a negative change (i.e., fewer depressive feelings) as compared to an AIS D injury over time.
3
Tetraplegia and paraplegia AIS A–C injuries were significantly associated with positive change (i.e., greater global QoL) as compared to an AIS D injury over time.

Research Summary

This study investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its changes over 6 years in older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed that while there were large variations in all HRQoL-domains, the participants generally maintained a high and stable level of HRQoL over the study period. Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with less severe SCI (AIS D) may need increased attention to mitigate negative changes in depressive symptoms and global QoL.

Practical Implications

Clinical Attention

Persons with AIS D injuries may need increased clinical attention to mitigate negative changes in depressive symptoms and global QoL.

Rehabilitation Programs

SCI rehabilitation programs need resources to accommodate the growing number of older adults with long-term SCI.

Further Research

Further studies are needed to identify modifiable factors associated with changes in HRQoL in older adults aging with long-term SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Potential bias due to healthier subjects being more likely to participate in the second assessment.
2
Data protection regulations prevent collection of data on the nonparticipants’ health status and QoL, it is not possible to eliminate such bias.
3
The study is limited by its focus on a Swedish population, potentially limiting generalizability to other regions or cultures.

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