Article

PURPOSE: To compare the satisfaction with quality of life (QOL) of adults with
tetraplegia from spinal cord injury (SCI) who use and do not use electronic aids
to daily living (EADLs). METHOD: This study used a cross-sectional design.
Thirty-six persons with spinal cord injuries or conditions at or above C5/6 level
participated. Fifteen participants used EADL at home and 21 formed the comparison
group of non-users of EADL; all were living in the community. We used the Quality
of Life Profile-Physical Disabilities (QOLP-PD) to examine participant's QOL.
RESULTS: Both groups rated the levels of importance of all aspects of QOL
equally. The EADL users rated their satisfaction with QOL significantly higher
for total QOLP-PD scores and for four of the nine domains, including all three
domains of belonging. The groups did not differ in age, FIM scores, level of
education, and hours of paid attendant care. The EADL user group had
significantly more males than females, and had higher levels of SCI. CONCLUSIONS:
EADLs appear to contribute to the experience of greater subjective QOL for
persons with severe physical disability from high SCI. Prospective cohort studies
designs that employ methods and analytic plans to study the causal effect of
EADLs on QOL are recommended. The QOLP-PD was found to be a valid measure of QOL
for this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS