› › Experiences Related To Quality Of Life In Persons Living With Spinal Cord Injury In The Community Following Rehabilitation In Tanzania

Experiences Related to Quality of Life in Persons Living with Spinal Cord Injury in the Community Following Rehabilitation in Tanzania

Author : Lucas Machage Bunde

Publisher :

Page : 302 pages

File Size : 17,92 MB

Release : 2007

Category : Quality of life

ISBN :

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Book Description

Sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious life-altering experience. Its consequences impact on many facets of an individual's life, including social roles, personal goals, and future life prospects. Persons with spinal cord injury experience variability in levels of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that may impact on their quality of life. The purpose of the studdy was to explore the experiences related to QOL in persons living with traumatic SCI in their communities following rehabilitation.



Narratives of Courage

Author : Ketna Mehta

Publisher : Nina Foundation

Page : 274 pages

File Size : 26,93 MB

Release :

Category : Body, Mind & Spirit

ISBN :

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Book Description

The purpose of presenting ‘Narratives Of Courage – Lives Of Spinal Cord Injury Survivors In India’ is to reveal an important stark gap in unserved healthcare, and medical rehabilitation. We should not forget that every human life is a human life. A poor, rural Indian citizen who has met with a road accident or has had an unfortunate fall, suffering the most devastating, permanent, life-long, incurable spinal cord injury, deserves to live a dignified life, fulfil their dreams, to take life decisions, continue their education in schools or colleges, earn a decent livelihood, raise a family, travel and experience life in its various hues. Alas, this lacuna still needs to be filled. However, despite the tales of injury and struggle, this book is in no way bleak. It's a motivational and inspirational book about 25 spinal cord injury survivors in India. It will make you realise that our friends with spinal cord injury have meagre resources, live in dilapidated huts, with more than 60% of their limbs and organs non-functional, suffer from a lack of sensation, relationship woes, financial troubles, lack of food, mobility issues and the usual rural problems of poor mobile network, intermittent electricity, scarce drinking water and access to nutritional food or fruits. Yet they wake up every day with a broad smile and hope in their hearts, striving to fight and improve their life, without lofty expectations. Our friends are happy, happy to be alive despite all their limitations and innumerable problems. Who knows, reading this book may change the way you think and make you realise how blessed you are! When we experienced our personal spinal cord injuries that resulted in permanent disability, we too were clueless about what shape our lives would take. We were not aware of how we would live with our disabilities, but now all of us are considered ‘Change-Makers’ in our own spheres due to our efforts in making society aware of the huge hurdles that people living with spinal cord injury face. Dear Readers, all of us at Nina Foundation urge each one of you to go through these life stories carefully, empathise with them, educate yourself about spinal cord injury and, in your own way, decide to act and bring about a positive change. For each of us has the power to initiate a positive change. Your smallest act can have a far-reaching ripple effect that will improve the quality of life for over 1.5 million people living with spinal cord injuries. We express our gratitude to our Nina Foundation team, circle of family, friends, associates, corporates, institutions, students, children, volunteers, media, neighbours, sponsors, who willingly shared their emotions and thoughts through their wonderful quotes – ‘They Said It’ – about Nina Foundation. Their consistent support and kindness has enabled us to do what would have been considered impossible! Thank you indeed for walking with us on this adventurous, tumultuous journey and spreading sunshine. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF BOTH PRINT COPIES AND DIGITAL BOOKS GOES ENTIRELY TO OUR NGO ’NINA FOUNDATION'



Surviving to Living

Author : Carol Ann Davidson

Publisher :

Page : 60 pages

File Size : 24,68 MB

Release : 2005

Category :

ISBN :

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Book Description

The intended outcome of rehabilitation is that people with spinal cord injury return to the highest level of function possible and participate in community life. However, little is known about the process of achieving participation from the perspectives of the individuals with SCI who have experienced rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and the influence of the rehabilitation experiences on the ability to achieve community reintegration from the individuals' perspectives. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Six participants who were six months to one year post discharge from initial rehabilitation for an acute spinal cord injury participated in a series of semistructured interviews and confirmatory discussions. Participants described the process of community integration as a transition from surviving to living. Four major themes related to this transition emerged from narrative descriptions: support, psychological adjustment, physical adjustment, and education. Although the intended outcome of rehabilitation is that people with SCI return to the highest level of cummunity participation possible, rehabilitation focuses on support and education that assists people with skills necessary for day to day survival of SCI. Under the traditional continuum of care, support and education to facilitating living skills are lacking. Home and cummunity rehabilitation or other transition programs may better enhance individuals' abilities to participate in community life after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.



Community Participation for People Living with Spinal Cord Injury in the Tshwane Metropolitan Area

Author : D. Joyce Mothabeng

Publisher :

Page : pages

File Size : 21,17 MB

Release : 2013

Category :

ISBN :

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Book Description

Background and Purpose: People living with SCI (PLWSCI) have to cope with various challenges when they return home after institutionalized rehabilitation, especially with integrating back into and participating in their communities. To date no study has been conducted in South Africa to empirically measure community integration or to evaluate factors affecting the community integration of PLWSCI. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the community participation of PLWSCI after rehabilitation. Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical research design employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Data collection: Phase one: Participants were identified from the databases of two rehabilitation centers, and the snow balling technique. Data were collected by implementing: the socio-demographic and injury profile (SDIP), the Return to Normal Living Index (RNLI), the Spinal Cord Injury Measure version II (SCIM II) and the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors short form (CHIEF-SF). Phase two: In-depth face to face interviews were conducted with a purposely selected sample group from participants of phase one of the study to determine how participants perceive their community participation. Data Analysis: Phase one: Data were analyzed using version 17 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 17). Descriptive statistics, T- tests, Pearson productmoment correlation coefficients and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni adjustments for multiple comparisons, was done to examine demographic characteristics and participants' community participation. Data from Phase 2 was subjected to data-reducing procedures using qualitative techniques. Results - Phase One One hundred and sixty PLWSCI (134 males and 26 females) from the Tshwane metropolitan area participated in this phase of the study. The participants were predominantly young, male, unemployed and single and their major cause of SCI was road traffic accidents, which accounted for 71% of the injuries. The participants' satisfaction with their community participation was generally low, only 20% expressed satisfaction with their community participation. Satisfaction with community participation was significantly associated with the participants' race, level of education, employment, educational qualifications, years of living with SCI, level of SCI, health complications, perceived health status, functional ability and perceived environmental factors such as physical (structural and geographic) barriers and lack of transport. Results - Phase 2 Fifteen PLWSCI participated in interviews. Two themes influencing participation were identified from the interview transcripts: Personal factors (coping skills, rehabilitation experience, future aspirations, personal needs, psycho-emotional issues and meaningful use of time) and Environmental factors (attitudes of others, social support and accessibility issues). Conclusion The results of the two phases revealed that community participation of PLWSCI was mainly related to three major categories of factors: personal factors, disability-related factors and environmental factors. Satisfaction with community participation was greater in participants who had been living with SCI for longer periods, had more years of basic education, were not black Africans, lived in suburbs, and were employed. A positive outlook on life and engagement in creative activities during free time enhanced community participation. Disability-related factors included level of SCI, functional ability and perceived general health influenced satisfaction with community participation. Community participation was greater in participants who experienced fewer environmental barriers. 'Attitudes of members of society', 'accessibility of the environment' and 'social support' influenced the participants' satisfaction with community participation. A framework for facilitating community participation of PLWSCI was developed. Strategies to be implemented by various multi-sectoral stakeholders to enhance community participation are proposed.p>



Roll Models

Author : Richard Holicky

Publisher : Trafford Publishing

Page : 239 pages

File Size : 29,11 MB

Release : 2004

Category : Self-Help

ISBN : 1412040221

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Book Description

"I thought life was pretty much over." Paul Herman "I was afraid people wouldn''t see me for who I still was." Cathy Green "I didn''t need this to be a better person." Susan Douglas "I wasn''t sure I wanted to live ''this way.''" Kevin Wolitzky The above four people and 49 more just like them went on to find high levels of success and lead satisfying lives. Together they tell 53 stories of moving forward to meet all the challenges, fears, obstacles, and problems common to the life-altering circumstances after spinal cord injury, and doing it without benefit of wealth, large settlements or solid health coverage. Ranging in age from 21 to 67, disabled from three to 48 years they share 931 years of disability experience. Roll Models is a valuable new resource for recently injured people and their families, and for nurses, therapists, psychologists and all other professionals who treat, work with and care for people with spinal cord injury. Straight from the horse''s mouth, survivors explore their experiences with disability and answer many questions those in rehab are asking: Early Thoughts What were your thoughts immediately following injury? What were your initial thoughts and reactions regarding SCI and the future? The First Years What were your biggest fears during that first year or so? How did you get past those early fears? Changes, Obstacles and Solutions How much different are you now, compared to how you were before injury? What''s been the biggest obstacle? How did you address these obstacles? Finding What Works What have been the most difficult things for you to deal with since injury? What''s the worst thing about having an SCI and using a chair? What''s been your biggest loss due to injury? Is SCI the worst thing that ever happened to you? Tell me something about your problem solving skills. How do you deal with stress? What do you do to relieve stress? Salvations, Turning Points and More Was there any one thing that was your "salvation" or key to your success? Was there a turning point for you when you began to feel things were going to get better? What personal factors, habits and beliefs have helped you the most? SCI and Meaning Do you find any meaning, purpose or lessons in your disability? Did any positive opportunities come your way because of your injury? What''s your greatest accomplishment? What are you most proud of? "A wonderful roadmap with many alternate routes to living and thriving with SCI." Minna Hong, SCI survivor and Peer Support Coordinator/Vocational Liaison, Shepherd Center "Avoids the trap of providing a ''one size fits all mentality'' and provides solutions as varied as the individuals used as examples. Accentuates the positives while not sugar coating the difficulties. Essential reading." Jeff Cressy SCI survivor and Director of Consumer and Community Affairs, SCI Project, Rancho Los Amigos "A great resource for people as they venture out into the world, or search for meaning and a deeper, richer life. Filled with examples of real people and their real experiences." Terry Chase, ND, RN; SCI survivor; Patient & Family Education Program Coordinator, Craig Hospital "A wonderful tool for the newly spinal cord injured individual, as well as the therapists and counselors working with them. This certainly hits the mark in capturing important survival strategies." Jack Dahlberg, SCI survivor, Past President of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association "Artfully crafted and organized, Roll Models sensitively portrays life following spinal cord injury. Informative, creative, sensitive, as well as infused with humor and a kind heart. Recommended with my highest accolades."Lester Butt, Ph.D., ABPP, Director of the Department of Psychology, Craig Hospital





Wheeling and Dealing

Author : Esther I. Wilder

Publisher : Vanderbilt University Press

Page : 390 pages

File Size : 30,43 MB

Release : 2006

Category : Paralytics

ISBN : 9780826515353

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Book Description

Before his motorcycle accident, Travis saw himself becoming a pro football player. Now, paralyzed from the nipple down, he says, "At times it's a pain in the ass-literally and figuratively. But it allows me to not be as threatening to some people [the way I was when] I was still an athlete. Because a lot of times male interaction is done on the basis of pissing contests: I'm bigger, I'm tougher, I'm stronger, I'm smarter. When you're in a chair, they don't look at you like that." At the same time, Travis complains that many people are uncomfortable interacting with him because of his disability. "I would rather you make a mistake and deal with me than not deal with me at all." Meghan is a high-level quadriplegic, living alone, who uses a power wheelchair and requires daily attendant care. She laments, "There are so many people who think we're asexual, we're not pretty, and we're creeps and weirdoes." To dispel this myth, she envisions a fashion show of women in wheelchairs parading down a runway. Meghan has been involved in a number of sexual relationships since sustaining her injury. While she doesn't think her disability has diminished her sexual pleasure, she feels that it has affected her sexual performance: "Well, you can't move it. You can't, like, bump and grind." In 32 unusually frank in-depth interviews like these, the men and women in this book freely discuss their sex lives, their beliefs about God, how they want others to treat them, and whether they want to walk again. In each chapter the author presents their complex voices and comprehensive research about different facets of spinal cord injury (SCI). Wheeling and Dealing explores the extent to which people with spinal cord injury locate their challenges in their physical impairments or in the social environment. Some disagree with those disability activists who focus almost exclusively on the latter, but the author examines this issue in depth. Topics include: --Physical health from degrees of loss of function to problems like pressure sores, temperature regulation, and bladder control. --The stages of psychological adjustment and rehabilitation. --Obstacles to sexual intimacy, treatment of erectile dysfunction, and new sources of sexual pleasure and emotional intimacy. --Religion and spirituality. --Social and political beliefs, with those with SCI weighing in on everything from welfare services to embryonic stem cell research. --Dating, marriage, and parenting. --Friendship networks and social supports; concerns about transportation and accessibility; stigma. --Education, employment, and economic consequences. This book is the recipient of the 2004 Norman L. and Roselea J. Goldberg Prize from Vanderbilt University Press for the best project in the area of medicine.





The Meaning of Transitioning from Rehabilitation to a Physically Active Lifestyle Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Author :

Publisher :

Page : pages

File Size : 23,79 MB

Release : 2009

Category :

ISBN :

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This study explored the meaning people with spinal cord injuries give to physical activity and recreation participation as they make the transition from the protected environment of hospital rehabilitation to the reality of returning to their homes and communities. The experiences of 4 individuals between 15 and 24 years of age who had sustained spinal cord injuries within the previous five years were captured using the phenomenological methods of semi-structured individual interviews, focus group interviews, photographs, and field notes. Rimmers (1999) model of health promotion for people with disabilities combined with Peters (1996) model of disablement provided the conceptual framework for the study and facilitated the interpretation of the findings. The participants indicated that physical activity was a very important component to living a psychologically, socially and physically healthy lifestyle following a spinal cord injury. A thematic analysis revealed three themes: (a) as my body heals, (b) learning to be me, and (3) getting back to life. The importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle following a spinal cord injury was reflected in stories of physical activity as a component of hospital rehabilitation, the importance of physical activity during the transition from the hospital to the challenges of returning home, and finally, engagement in community based physical activity. A gap in the continuity of physical activity opportunities during the transition from in-hospital rehabilitation to the return to the community was identified.