Is Level of Injury a Determinant of Quality of Life Among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury? A Tertiary Rehabilitation Center Report

Oman Medical Journal, 2016 · DOI: 10.5001/omj.2016.22 · Published: March 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how the level of spinal cord injury (SCI) affects the quality of life (QOL) in Iranian individuals. It compares the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between those with cervical injuries (quadriplegia) and those with thoracolumbar injuries (paraplegia). The study uses the SF-36 questionnaire to assess QOL across eight domains, including physical and mental health components. It analyzes whether the level of injury is a significant determinant of HRQOL in this population. The findings indicate that while physical functioning is significantly lower in individuals with cervical injuries, mental health is similar between the two groups, suggesting good mental adaptability among quadriplegic individuals.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

184 individuals with SCI (94 quadriplegic, 90 paraplegic)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients with cervical SCI have significantly lower physical functioning scores compared to those with thoracolumbar SCI.
2
There is no significant difference in mental health scores between patients with cervical and thoracolumbar SCI.
3
Injury level can be used as a major determinant of the physical component of QOL among people with SCI.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine if the level of spinal cord injury (SCI) is a determinant of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Iranian individuals. It compared HRQOL between individuals with cervical injuries (quadriplegia) and thoracolumbar injuries (paraplegia) using the SF-36 questionnaire. The results showed that individuals with cervical SCI had significantly lower physical functioning scores compared to those with thoracolumbar SCI. However, there was no significant difference in mental health scores between the two groups. The study concludes that injury level is a major determinant of the physical component of QOL in people with SCI, and that individuals with quadriplegia show good mental adaptability compared to those with paraplegia.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation programs should focus on improving physical functioning in individuals with cervical SCI to enhance their overall quality of life.

Mental Health Support

Despite physical limitations, maintaining mental health support is crucial for all individuals with SCI, particularly those with quadriplegia, to ensure proper mental adaptability.

Cultural Considerations in QOL Assessment

HRQOL should be evaluated separately in each nation due to varying socioeconomic characteristics and access to facilities, which can influence mental component-related QOL.

Study Limitations

1
Confounders such as educational level, employment status, income, social activities, familial support, and community characteristics may affect the linear relationships between variables.
2
The use of a single assessment tool (SF-36) may limit the comprehensive evaluation of QOL.
3
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causality or the impact of time since injury on HRQOL.

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