Assistive technology and prediction of happiness in people withpost-polio syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the relationship between level of happiness in people with post-polio syndrome (PPS) and assistive technology (AT) by taking into account confounding factors such as age, gender and house composition. Method: Existing data from 218 adults with PPS, who had completed a cross-sectional survey conducted by the British Polio Fellowship in 2007, were used for a secondary quantitative analysis. Ordinal logistic regression was applied to determine whether ownership of or the need for AT predicted happiness in people with PPS. Results: Ownership of AT did not predict happiness, whereas the perceived need for AT was a significant predictor of feeling less happy (p = 0.028). Among the different types of AT needed, only need of home adaptations combined with major equipment was close to being significantly associated with less happiness (p = 0.078). Being older (p < 0.001) and living with a partner (p < 0.001) significantly increased the likelihood of feeling happier. Conclusion: The findings indicate the importance of the contribution of need for AT in explaining happiness in people with PPS. The fact that users reported unmet equipment needs urge for increased user decision making and better understanding of why perceived needs are not resolved.Implications for RehabilitationPost-polio syndrome not only affects the individual physically, but can severely interfere carrying out chosen activities of daily living.This study shows that need for assistive technology is one of the explanatory variables of the perception of happiness in people with PPS.Results indicate that health professionals and service providers should be aware of the needs of people with post-polio syndrome living in the community and pay further attention to home modifications and provision of major equipment, as this is where the biggest need currently lies.