A Survey Highlighting Priorities of Spinal Cord Injured Population

Abstract

Background: More than 200,000 people in the United States alone have a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Healthcare for these people imposes a major financial strain on the country, not to mention the physical, psychological, and social pain these people face on a daily basis. Regaining partial function can lead to greater independence and, as a result, a higher quality of life. A unique survey was conducted to determine which functions are most significant to the SCI population in terms of improving quality of life. Subjects were asked to rank seven functions in order of significance to their quality of life.

Study Objectives: The aim of study was to evaluate the priorities of spinal cord injured population depending on their level of lesion and improvement of which function will make improvement in quality of their life.

Methods: A total number of 71 subjects were included. The questionnaire was designed to be completed by all participants via personal interviews, emails, and telephone interviews.  

Results: There was a significant variation in priorities of spinal cord injured population.

This scale is useful for evaluating the associations between physical activity and chronic disease and functional outcomes.

Conclusion: There was a significant variation in priorities of spinal cord injured population depending on their level of injury.