Article

Aim To determine the levels of anxiety and depression in young people with spinal
cord injuries (SCI) and their associated factors and outcomes. Method Children
and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years at interview who had sustained SCI at least 1
year before the study were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory,
the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life
Inventory, the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment, and a
demographic questionnaire designed for the study. Results The 118 participants
(61 males, 57 females) had a mean age of 12 years 4 months, SD 3 y 1 mo, range
7-17 y. Mean age at injury was 5 years 11 months, SD 4 y 11 m, range 0-16 y; 89
participants (75%) had paraplegia and 29 (25%) had tetraplegia. Fifty-seven (52%)
had complete injuries and 52 (48%) had incomplete injuries according to the
American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. Thirteen participants (13%)
reported significant symptoms of anxiety, and seven (6%) reported significant
levels of depression, which were comparable to the normative population. Age,
race, and sex were not associated with anxiety or depression, but participants
with shorter duration of injury were more likely to be anxious, and those with
less functional independence were more likely to be depressed. Only one dimension
of participation was associated with anxiety and depression, but all aspects of
quality of life were decreased among those with anxiety or depression.
Interpretation The levels of anxiety and depression in young people with SCI are
comparable to the normative range. When anxiety and depression occur they are
associated with reduced levels of quality of life.

Langue : ANGLAIS