Article

PURPOSE: To describe the course of life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord
injury (SCI) during the first 5 years after discharge from inpatient
rehabilitation and to examine its determinants. METHODS:
Multi-centre prospective
cohort study with four measurements, the first at discharge from inpatient
rehabilitation, the last 5 years after discharge. Data of 162 persons with SCI
were analyzed. Life satisfaction was measured as the sum score of 'current life
satisfaction' and 'current life satisfaction compared to life satisfaction before
SCI'. Lesion characteristics, functional independence, secondary impairments,
pain, social support and self-efficacy were analyzed as possible determinants of
life satisfaction. Random coefficient analysis was used for the analyses.
Results: No significant changes in life satisfaction were found between discharge
and 2 years later, however there were significant increases from two to 5 years
post discharge. High functional independence, low pain, high everyday social
support and high self-efficacy were significant determinants of a positive course
of life satisfaction after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in life satisfaction
were found in persons with SCI in the long run. High functional status, low pain,
good social skills and high self-efficacy were related to high life satisfaction.

Langue : ANGLAIS