The quality of life of three functional spinal cord injury subgroups in a Swedish community

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Abstract
Vast community provisions in Sweden are intended to offer spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects equal opportunities and the same living standards as the able-bodied. This study on all 56 subjects representing 3 distinct functional subgroups, out of a consecutive series treated at a Spinal Unit, explored the skills used in a wide range of community living activities and the details of these subjects' quality of life (QL). C6-tetraplegics with complete lesions (n = 15), wheelchair-bound paraplegics (n = 23) and ambulant paraplegics (n = 18) varied in physical independence in proportion to their disabilities but disturbances of mood states and QL perception did not differ between groups or from a control population sample. Eighty per cent of the subjects were engaged in gainful employment or education. Work/education, home management and mobility in the neighbourhood were clearly restricted by more severe disability but social and recreational activities were not. Degree of social activity and ability to drive a car were closely associated with levels of mental well-being and of perceived QL. Access to transport and home-help services, appropriate housing and technical aids included few unmet subjective needs, possibly explaining why these environmental factors did not inhibit the activity levels of the study population. Extensive society support and stimulation can satisfy important needs and expectations of well-functioning SCI subjects.

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