Australian arm of the International Spinal Cord Injury (Aus-InSCI) Community Survey: 2. Understanding the lived experience in people with spinal cord injury

Study design
Cross-sectional survey.

Objectives
To identify common problems across key domains of functioning, health and wellbeing, as well as evaluate self-reported quality of life (QoL) by people with SCI, examining differences by age, gender, injury characteristics and level of mobility.

Setting
Data from four state-wide SCI clinical services, one government insurance agency and three not-for-profit consumer organisations.

Methods
Participants were 18 years or over with SCI and at least 12 months post-injury, recruited between Mar’18 and Jan’19. The Aus-InSCI questionnaire comprised 193 questions, including socio-demographics, SCI characteristics, body functions and structures, activities and participation, environmental and personal factors, and appraisal of health and well-being. General linear model was used to examine differences in functioning and QoL.

Results
Participants (mean age 57 years, range 19–94 years) with tetraplegia and/or complete injuries had more health problems, activity/participation problems and environmental barriers. However, self-rated overall QoL did not differ for injury level or completeness. Participants with more recent injuries exhibited lower independence levels, more mental health problems and poorer satisfaction with self and their living conditions. Major activity/participation problems related to intimate relationships and accessing public transportation. Less than half of the working age population were engaged in paid work. The top two environmental barriers frequently related to accessing public places or homes and unfavourable climatic conditions.

Conclusions
This large, comprehensive community survey draws a detailed picture of the lived experience of people with SCI in Australia, identifying priority needs, gaps in services and barriers to achieving a full and satisfying life.