Satisfaction with life over time in people with burn injury: A national institute on disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research burn model system study

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J82942

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2020 , 101, 1, Supplement 1, S63-S70

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined trajectories of satisfaction with life (SWL) of burn survivors over time and how different clinical, demographic, and other characteristics affect the initial level of SWL and changes in SWL over time. Participant data were obtained from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-funded Burn Model System National Longitudinal Database. Only adults who underwent burn-related surgery and met one of the following criteria were eligible: (1) >10 percent total body surface area (TBSA) burn and ≥65 years of age; (2) >20 percent TBSA burn and 18 to 64 years of age; (3) electrical high voltage/lightning injury; or (4) burn injury to the hands, face, or feet. A total of 378 participants had data on all variables of interest and were included in the analyses. SWL was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Growth mixture modeling identified 2 classes with different trajectories of SWL. The mean SWL of the unchanged class was flat over 2 years with high initial SWL scores. The SWL of the dissatisfied class was at the low end of average and got progressively worse over time. Results indicate that SWL after burn injury can be described by 2 different trajectories with substantially different outcomes. Older age, worse mental health, and unemployment prior to injury predicted membership in the dissatisfied class. Additional services could be provided to those at high risk for low SWL to achieve better outcomes

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