Life satisfaction in individuals with a spinal cord injury and pain.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and describe life satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with regard to pain.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study of self-reported life satisfaction in individuals with SCI, with and without pain.


METHODS
Spinal outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Two hundred and thirty patients with SCI were mailed a questionnaire.


METHODS
Mailed survey.


METHODS
Ratings of pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, mood, and life satisfaction (LiSat-9).


RESULTS
In total 191 (83%) of the questionnaires were returned and analysed. Patients with pain experienced lower life satisfaction compared with individuals who were pain free. Continuous pain interfered to a greater extent than did intermittent pain. In logistic regression analysis the univariate relationship between pain and low life satisfaction was removed. Predictive for lower scores of life satisfaction were higher ratings of mood disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Life satisfaction is negatively affected in patients with SCI and pain compared to patients with SCI but without pain. Higher levels of anxiety and depression seem to be predictive for this decreased life satisfaction.
Budh
Cecilia Norrbrink
CN
Spinalis SCI unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. cecilia.norrbrink-budh@karolinska.se
Osteråker
Anna-Lena
AL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires