Abstract
BackgroundNew or increased impairments may develop several decades after an acute poliomyelitis infection. These new symptoms, commonly referred to as late effects of polio (LEoP), are characterised by muscular weakness and fatigue, generalised fatigue, pain at rest or during activities and cold intolerance. Growing older with LEoP may lead to increased activity limitations and participation restrictions, but there is limited knowledge of how these persons perceive the practical and psychological consequences of ageing with LEoP and what strategies they use in daily life. The aim of this qualitative study was therefore to explore how ageing people with LEoP perceive the their situation and what strategies they use for managing daily life.MethodsSeven women and seven men (mean age 70 years) were interviewed. They all had a confirmed history of acute poliomyelitis and new impairments after a stable period of at least 15 years. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using systematic text condensation.ResultsThe latent analysis resulted in three categories ‘Various consequences of ageing with LEoP’, ‘Limitations in everyday activities and participation restrictions’, and ‘Strategies for managing daily life when ageing with LEoP’ and 12 subcategories. The new impairments led to decreased physical and mental health. The participants perceived difficulties in performing everyday activities such as managing work, doing chores, partaking in recreational activities and participating in social events, thereby experiencing emotional and psychological distress. They managed to find strategies that mitigated their worries and upheld their self-confidence, for example finding practical solutions, making social comparisons, minimising, and avoidance.ConclusionAgeing with LEoP affected daily life to a great extent. The participants experienced considerable impact of the new and increased impairments on their life situation. Consequently, their ability to participate in various social activities also became restricted. Social comparisons and practical solutions are strategies that facilitate adaptation and acceptance of the new situation due to LEoP. This emphasises the need to design rehabilitation interventions that focus on coping, empowerment and self-management for people ageing with LEoP.
Highlights
New or increased impairments may develop several decades after an acute poliomyelitis infection
Growing old with late effects of polio (LEoP) and experiencing the increased impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions may present a challenge when the disability interacts with the effects of normal ageing [9]
The latent analysis of the elaborated subcategories gave rise to three categories: 1) ‘Various consequences of ageing with LEoP’ with three subcategories (a) Characteristic symptoms at the onset of LEoP, (b) Reactions to the onset of LEoP, and (c) Decreased physical and mental health; 2) ‘Limitations in everyday activities and participation restrictions’ with five subcategories (a) Workplace challenges, (b) Everyday chores and activities, (c) Cutting back on recreation, (d) Challenging environmental factors, and (e) Reduced participation in social activities; and 3) ‘Strategies for managing daily life when ageing with LEoP’ with four subcategories (a) Finding solutions and information to overcome challenging situations, (b) Strategies for mitigating emotional reactions, (c) A positive attitude regarding mobility aids, and (d) Strategies for enhancing life satisfaction and self-imagery (Fig. 1)
Summary
New or increased impairments may develop several decades after an acute poliomyelitis infection These new symptoms, commonly referred to as late effects of polio (LEoP), are characterised by muscular weakness and fatigue, generalised fatigue, pain at rest or during activities and cold intolerance. Growing older with LEoP may lead to increased activity limitations and participation restrictions, but there is limited knowledge of how these persons perceive the practical and psychological consequences of ageing with LEoP and what strategies they use in daily life. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how ageing people with LEoP perceive the their situation and what strategies they use for managing daily life. Secondary ageing includes environmental and external factors, e.g. diseaserelated influences, lack of physical activity, inadequate nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, and stress [10]
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