Relationship between secondary health conditions and life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord injury: study across twenty‑one countries

Quality of Life Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-023-03376-3 · Published: March 2, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how secondary health conditions (SHCs) affect life satisfaction (LS) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) across 21 countries. The study found that people with SCI who have fewer SHCs and receive treatment for them tend to report higher life satisfaction. The research emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare and management of SHCs to improve the overall well-being of individuals living with SCI.

Study Duration

January 2017 and May 2019

Participants

10,499 persons with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
A greater burden of SHCs is associated with decreased life satisfaction in persons with SCI.
2
Persons with SCI receiving treatment for SHCs report higher life satisfaction than those who do not receive treatment.
3
The most commonly reported health problems following SCI were urinary tract infections, pressure sores/ulcers, and pain.

Research Summary

This study examined the relationship between secondary health conditions (SHCs) and life satisfaction (LS) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) across 21 countries. The results indicated that individuals with fewer SHCs and those who received treatment for their SHCs reported higher levels of life satisfaction. The study highlights the need for accessible healthcare and effective management of SHCs to enhance the life satisfaction and overall well-being of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Health Promotion

Develop strategies for health promotion, supported self-management, surveillance, and early intervention.

Accessible Primary Care

Ensure regular follow-up by specialized teams and annual comprehensive health examinations.

Community Engagement

Engage the community in healthcare following SCI to identify and address health needs early.

Study Limitations

1
Self-reported data on health conditions without verification by health professionals.
2
Variation in sampling frames and use of convenience samples.
3
Lack of population-based data on persons with SCI to estimate representativeness.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury