Table 3

Participants’ (n=118) SCI-related and post-SCI outcomes (median 6.5 months after SCI)

Post-SCI characteristicn (%)
Self-reported cause of SCI
 Injury cause of SCI91 (77)
 Illness cause of SCI24 (20)
 Uncertain cause3 (3)
Wheelchair use
 Yes59 (50)
 Sometimes14 (12)
 No45 (32)
Place of residence at time of interview
 Original pre-SCI residence53 (45)
 Still in spinal unit26 (22)
 Temporary accommodation13 (11)
 New permanent residence11 (9)
 Missing or in transition15 (13)
EQ-5D health status (any problems)
 Mobility109 (92)
 Self-care78 (66)
 Usual activities106 (90)
 Pain or discomfort102 (86)
 Anxiety or depression58 (50)
 (Cognition)51 (47)
SCI-related symptom (any bother)
 Leg swelling46 (49)
 Leg spasm76 (65)
 Shortness of breath30 (26)
 Difficulty coughing35 (30)
 Constipation66 (57)
 Diarrhoea20 (17)
 Indigestion20 (17)
 Urinary tract infection33 (28)
 Urinary incontinence34 (29)
 Bladder management29 (25)
 Headaches31 (27)
 Back pain73 (62)
 Shoulder pain56 (48)
 Pain below SCI66 (58)
WHODAS (moderate, severe or extreme difficulties)
 Standing long periods88 (75)
 Household responsibilities78 (67)
 Learning new task50 (43)
 Community activities59 (50)
 Emotionally affected67 (57)
 Concentrating40 (34)
 Walking a long distance93 (79)
 Washing whole body60 (51)
 Getting dressed58 (49)
 Dealing with people28 (24)
 Maintaining a friendship15 (13)
 Day to day work76 (64)
  • SCI, spinal cord neurological impairment.