Post-traumatic Stress Disorder,Social Support,and Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship among post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD),social support and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury(SCI)after a long recovery in China and investigate the factors influencing the quality of life. Methods In this cross-sectional study,206 SCI patients who were hospitalized in 9 hospitals were enrolled.Data collection was performed using general information,the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian version,the social support scales,and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated version.The data were statistically analyzed using t test,multivariate linear regression,and adjustment effect analysis. Results PTSD was negatively correlated with quality of life(r=-0.337,P <0.001).Social support was positively correlated with quality of life(r=0.318,P<0.001).Social support showed a positive regulatory role between the heightened sense of threat dimension of PTSD and the overall quality of life(β=0.324,P=0.032)or its environmental domain(β=0.227,P=0.004)but showed a negative regulatory effect on the re-experiencing dimension of PTSD and the environmental domain of quality of life(β=-0.125,P=0.017).PTSD,social support,gender,marital status,and economic status were significant predictors of quality of life. Conclusion Reducing PTSD and improving social support can improve long-term quality of life in SCI patients.