Studying the quality of life and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury undergoing urinary management

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to investigate quality of life and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who require various types of urinary management. A sample of 230 persons with SCI completed the Quality of Life Index (QLI), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and a demographic data form. Findings of this study indicated that there was no significant difference in QLI and SWLS with regard to the type of urinary management used (reflex voiding, indwelling catheter, suprapubic catheter, intermittent catheterization, external catheter or a combination of intermittent catheterization and external catheter). There also was no significant difference in QLI and SWLS with regard to the level of SCI or the incidence of hospitalizations for urinary infections. There were significantly higher QLI and SWLS scores for those with greater abilities to work, attend school, and participate in activities. There also was a significantly higher QLI for those without skin problems associated with urinary dysfunction.