Objective
Spinal cord injury patients suffer not only from medical problems but also from social, psychological, and economic problems. These conditions eventually disrupt normal life and deteriorate the quality of life (QOL). Therefore, an important goal of rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injury should be improving the quality of life. In this study, we aimed to identify factors affecting the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury using SF-36 (Short Form-36) and BDI (Beck Depression Inventory).
Methods
The inclusion criteria were 1) patients with spinal cord injury within 3 months of onset and 2) those who received inpatient treatment at the Rehabilitation Department. Those with cognitive impairments who could not understand the SF-36 and BDI questionnaires were excluded. A total of 101 patients were included, consisting of 19 complete injury patients and 82 incomplete injury patients. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the effect of independence in activities of daily living (Modified Barthel Index), balance (Berg Balance Scale), and depression (BDI) on each domain of quality of life (SF-36) was analyzed.
Results
Among physical items, Physical Functioning (PF) was related to chair-bed transfer, and Role-Physical (RP) was related to bladder control. Bodily Pain (BP) had a relationship with physical hygiene and chair-bed transfer, and General Health (GH) had a relationship with BDI. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) which sums up the physical health components, significantly correlated with chair-bed transfer. Among the Mental items, Vitality (VT) was associated with BDI and bladder control, and Role-Emotion (RE) was associated with bowel control and bladder control. Mental Health (MH) had a relationship with BDI and ambulation/wheelchair. No items significantly correlated with Social Functioning (SF). Mental Component Summary (MCS), a summary measure of mental health, had a significant relationship with BDI.
Conclusion
This study analyzed the factors affecting the quality of life, including the physical and mental components in patients with subacute spinal cord injury. During intensive inpatient rehabilitation treatment, physicians tend to focus more on the training and evaluation of physical function and independence level. However, evaluation and management of depression and mental wellbeing tend to be considered relatively less important. Given the effects of depression on the quality of life, more accurate assessment and management of depression in subacute spinal cord injury are needed. |
