Article

Appropriate health knowledge (HK) and health perceptions (HP) of patients with
spinal cord injury (SCI) are linked to health-related behaviors, compliance, the
involvement of caregivers and efficacy of prophylaxis, and management of
secondary conditions.
The significance of factors determining the efficacy of
educational interventions in patients with SCI is underestimated. This systematic
literature review aims at identification of determinants of HK and HP among
patients with SCI. We identified 16 papers with quantitative HK and HP
measurements conclusive in the identification of HK and HP determinants in
individuals with SCI. Better HK and HP correlated with health condition-related
variables (traumatic SCI, history of secondary conditions, except depression),
body functions and structures (tetraplegia, incomplete deficit), activities
(independence in daily living activities, ability of locomotion on a wheelchair,
inability to walk), social and vocational participation, environmental factors
(access to a computer with Internet connection, living in a big city, being
married, healthcare recently received), and personal factors (younger age among
adults, living with SCI for a longer time, younger age at SCI onset, higher
educational level, internal locus of control). Limitations encountered included
high nonresponse rates among the patients enrolled, and use of heterogeneous and
nonvalidated tools. The results of these studies do not cover the entire scope of
possible interactions and exclusively apply univariate correlations. The paucity
and methodological limitations of studies conclusive in the identification of HK
and HP determinants in SCI patients and the development of new approaches to
information and education warrant more high-quality research on the basis of
multivariate analyses.

Langue : ANGLAIS