Well on wheels intervention: Satisfaction with life and health for adults with spinal cord injuries

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J82531

Journal:

Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine - JSCM (formerly Journal of the American Paraplegia Society)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2018 , , ,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined how demographic and injury characteristics identify satisfaction with life (SWL) following spinal cord injury (SCI) and assessed the differential effects of a wellness intervention by baseline SWL groups. Seventy-two individuals with SCI were randomized to an intervention group or control group. The intervention aimed to increase self-efficacy, and in turn, increase engagement in health-promoting behaviors related to SWL. Six 4-hour in-person workshops were conducted over a 3-month period led by experts and peer-mentors who were available for support. Outcome measure were self-efficacy for health practices, secondary condition severity, health-promoting behaviors, perceived stress, and SWL. Participants were classified as high versus low SWL at baseline using a cutoff score of 20. Most participants were male (69.4 percent) and had paraplegia (52.7 percent). Mean age at baseline was 44.1 years and mean time post-injury was 13.1 years. At baseline, participants with low SWL were recently injured (<4.5 years), while those with high SWL were married and younger (<49 years old). Intervention participants with low SWL at baseline significantly improved SWL over time compared to those with high SWL. Findings of this study show certain injury and demographic characteristics were associated with SWL, and intervention participants with low SWL at baseline improved their SWL over 2 years. Healthcare providers should consider time post-injury, marital status, and age in identifying individuals at risk for low SWL that may benefit from wellness interventions.

Author(s):