The Process of Adjustment among Caregivers of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Among caregivers of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), understanding factors that contribute to caregiver quality of life (QOL) is critical to providing appropriate support. This concurrent mixed methods study aimed to understand the experiences of veteran and civilian caregivers of individuals with SCI across a diverse sample from 4 rehabilitation hospitals, including 1 VA hospital. Of the 52 dyads recruited, 39 dyads provided complete data and were included in analysis. Of the 39 caregivers, 80 percent were female, average age was 49.9 years, average number of years providing care was 11.9, 49 percent were married to/partners of the adult with SCI, and 56 percent were from ethnic minority groups. Adults with SCI were most commonly male (72 percent) with tetraplegia (72 percent), and half identified as white (51 percent). Their average age at injury was 22.3 years, current age was 39.1 years, and average injury duration was 18 years. Over a quarter of the sample were veterans (28 percent). Specific to risk and protective factors, overall, caregivers reported physical and mental health in normal ranges and reported experiencing low burden. Interviews highlighted a number of unmet needs but also the importance of adaptive coping and social support. Interventions aimed at bolstering effective caregiver problem solving skills and enhancing social support as well as satisfaction with social support may foster caregiver well-being.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1094222
Entities
People
- Erin E Kelly
- Kerry O'rourke
- Lawrence C. Vogel
- Susan R. Espino
Organizations
- Marquette University