title: Quality of life issues in individuals with spinal cord injury.
abstract: Assessments of quality of life (QOL) are increasingly used in rehabilitation, embracing a number of conceptual approaches and measurement tools. Very few studies on QOL have addressed the specific needs of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Literature reviewed here describes 2 meta-analytical studies on SCI as well as several individual studies that focus on predictors and correlates of QOL applied to SCI. Results from a unique study on QOL after SCI using a qualitative methodology are also discussed. In addition, we describe the findings from another study, which used the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey to assess QOL and relate it to the concept of being disabled.
authors.affiliation: U-M Model Spinal Cord Injury Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. dgtate@umich.edu
authors.forename: Denise G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Tate
authors.forename: Claire Z
authors.initials: CZ
authors.lastname: Kalpakjian
authors.forename: Martin B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Forchheimer
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012107:Research Design; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires