The relationship between quality of life and ICF components of function and disability for people with spinal cord injury

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life and ICF components of function and disability across the lifespan, for people with spinal cord injury in Queensland, Australia. A cross-sectional analysis of the first year of data in a longitudinal study on spinal cord injury was undertaken. A random sample of 270 individuals who sustained spinal cord injury during the last 60 years was surveyed using a guided telephone interview format. The sample was drawn from the Princess Alexandra Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit archival records. Quality of life was measured using the WHO Qol-8. Impairment was measured according to the ASIA classification and the Secondary Condition Surveillance Instrument. Activity limitations were measured using the Clinical Outcome Variables Scale. Participation restrictions were measured using the Community Integration Measure. Lifespan was considered in terms of age and time since injury. Regression analyses were employed to determine the relationship between quality of life and components of disability across the lifespan. The results revealed that perceived quality of life was not significantly different according to age or time since injury. The single most important predictor of quality of life was the presence of secondary conditions while the second most important predictor was the extent of participation. These findings suggest that rehabilitation services must focus on minimising secondary conditions and enhancing societal participation in order to optimise quality of life across the lifespan for people with SCI in Queensland