Quality of life in males with spinal cord injury in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the interests and post-hospitalization of quality of life (QOL) and career of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: This study took a period that extended for 20 years (1982-2003). Fifty-seven male patients in the Riyadh, Armed Forces Hospital and Al-Kharj Hospital Program (RKH), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with SCI responded to a questionnaire, which was distributed manually to 120 contributors. The questionnaire items include health status, occupation and educational level. Results: The majority of the SCI patients belonged to the age group of 21-30 years (40.4%) and 31-40 years (33.3%). The injury levels were cervical (43.9%), thoracic (40.35%) and lumbar (23.5%). The urinary incontinence was managed by intermittent catheter (28%), indwelling catheter (17.5%), suprapubic cystostomy (15.8%), condom (12.3%) and continent (14.1%). Pressure sores were common and complication led urinary tract infections in 80.7% of patients. Spinal cord injury was a major cause and has a significant influence on patients' employment and career. Rehabilitation equipments and supplies support were provided by the RKH (45.6%), Ministry of Health (19.3%), self-purchasing (12.3%) and other source (22.8%). The important factors affecting the patient's QOL were financial status, employment, equipment supply and social isolation. Conclusion: Spinal cord injury is practically affecting the young adult population of KSA. The patient's QOL is significantly affected and hampered by factors such as accessibility, financial status and employment. Effective measures for the management and social awareness may improve the patient's style and QOL.