Article

This study compares functional status, quality of life and community
integration in 2008 Sichuan earthquake survivors with spinal cord injury at
hospital discharge and at 1-year follow-up in the community. METHODS: Twenty-six
subjects with spinal cord injury completed demographic and medical questionnaires
and underwent medical examination at discharge from a hospital rehabilitation
department and after 1 year in the community. Functional status, quality of life
and community integration were assessed by appropriate instruments over this
period. RESULTS: Functional status measures showed significantly increased (p <
0.05) scores for the Modified Barthel Index and Walking Index for Spinal Cord
Injury II; depression and pain scores were reduced with no statistical
significance. After discharge, nearly half of patients developed a new pressure
sore and most patients had urinary complications. Self-reported quality of life,
overall health, and satisfaction with social relationships increased
significantly (p < 0.05), while the environment domain was reduced (p < 0.05).
Social participation (i.e. community integration) results showed an improvement
in physical independence and mobility (p < 0.05), but a decline in cognitive
independence (p < 0.05). Only 15% of the population returned to work. CONCLUSION:
Special attention should be paid to cognitive and emotional function,
occupational training and social integration during rehabilitation measures after
earthquakes.

Langue : ANGLAIS