Quality of Life and Self-Care Ability Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

This study aimed to identify self-care ability, quality of life (QOL), and their related factors in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A cross-sectional design and a convenience sample of 152 individuals with SCI from four SCI units and clinics in Jordan were used. Modified Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF instruments were used. About 55.3% of participants reported moderate dependence on others to support their self-care ability, 48.0% reported good QOL, 65.8% were satisfied with their health after SCI, and physical and environmental domains received the highest scores. Having incomplete injury or paraplegia significantly predicted higher self-care ability. Being male, having a higher level of education, incomplete injury, paraplegia, and no pressure injury significantly predicted higher QOL ( p < .000). Collaboration is needed among health institutions, families, and communities to improve self-care ability and QOL after SCI.