Understanding Psycho-Social Issues in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury and Impact of Remedial Measures.

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that has not only physical but also social and psychological ramifications for the injured person. These can adversely affect the psycho-social life of SCI persons. Purpose: The present study aimed (a) to assess psycho-social problems of patients with SCI and (b) to evaluate the impact remedial measures. Method: Fifty persons with SCI were assessed for various psycho-social issues, remedial measures were taken to address them, and follow-up assessment was performed 6 months later to examine the impact of these over time. Results: The affects of SCI on the areas like psychology, sexual functions, social adjustments, burden on family, partner relationships, and sleep disturbances are quiet evident. Various remedial measures taken to address these issues showed good results after six month follow-up. Conclusions: Simple instructions and interventions are effective in decreasing psycho-social problems, and health professionals should use them in rehabilitation of persons with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]