Article

BACKGROUND: To better understand service-related needs and the current situation
of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community, a more
comprehensive approach for studying their interrelationships (needs vs community
living outcomes) is greatly needed. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development,
design, and findings of a Canadian survey portraying the life situation of people
with SCI. METHOD: The SCI Community Survey covers demographics, health,
SCI-specific needs, community participation, employment, quality of life, health
care utilization, and overall health rating. A total of 1,549 persons with SCI
completed the survey (Web or phone) between May 2011 and August 2012. RESULTS:
Some major expressed needs for services to support community living are met to a
great extent for a substantial proportion of people with SCI. Complications
remain highly prevalent for some health issues, including pain, sexual
dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders. The extent of community participation
based on values and preferences varies tremendously among daily activities and
social roles. Some dimensions of quality of life are rated positively (eg, family
life) while others are greatly disrupted (eg, sex life and physical health). Most
of these findings vary significantly between people with traumatic and
nontraumatic lesions. CONCLUSION: This survey is the first in Canada and among
the first worldwide to draw a comprehensive picture of major aspects of the lives
of people with SCI including service needs. The results will help to determine
the links between various aspects of community living and guide service providers
and policy makers in focusing on major issues to enhance quality of life after
SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS