Relationship between Functional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross - Sectional study

Abstract

Background: Spinal Cord Injury is one of the severe injuries results in loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury which deteriorates the quality of life. The bio-psycho-social model also emphasizes on the improving the quality of life than enhancing the physical function as the primary goals of SCI rehabilitation. Many authors have reported that there is significant positive effect on activities of daily living. Therefore, improving the quality of life in individuals with SCI. Aim: To study the Relationship between Functional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. Methodology: Ten subjects were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. WHOQOL-BREF and SCIM was administered at 3rd, 6th and 9th month of injury to assess the Quality of life and Functional Status of the individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Result: There was significant correlation between SCIM Vs Psychological domain (r=-0.66, p= 0.03*) at 3rd month, SCIM Vs Social domain (r= 0.57, p= 0.08*) at 3rd month, SCIM Vs Environmental domain (r= 0.57, p= 0.07*) at 9th month post injury. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a positive association between the functional status and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury at 3, 6 and 9 months of injury. KEY WORDS: Spinal cord injury, Quality of Life, Functional Status, Independence Measure, WHOQOL-BREF, Spinal Cord Independence Measure.