The Relationship between Engagement in Occupations and Pressure Sore Development in Saudi Men with Paraplegia

Abstract

Various research studies have explored the factors that predispose people with spinal cord injuries to pressure sore development. Two hundred risk factors have been associated with pressure sore occurrence. One of the variables commonly reported to affect pressure sore occurrence is a decreased level of activity (Vidal and Sarrias 1991, Fuhrer et al 1993). This concurs with the philosophy of occupational therapy that a reduction in activity can generate pathology (Miller et al 1988).This research study investigated whether decreased participation in occupational activities (work, leisure and activities of daily living) was related to pressure sore occurrence in paraplegic men. The sample was selected randomly from the occupational therapy discharge files of a rehabilitation facility in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by means of a telephone questionnaire from a total of 58 men, over a 3-month period.The study showed that there was a large increase in unemployment in paraplegic men following injury (from 10% to 59%) and, as might be expected, manual workers were more vulnerable than office workers. The study found no significant association between pressure sore occurrence and whether or not the individual was employed. However, it showed a statistically significant association between unemployment and pressure sores severe enough to lead to hospitalisation. The study also found a statistically significant association between individuals' independence in activities of daily living and the number of pressure sores that they had reported in the last 2 years.These findings indicate the potential importance of clients remaining occupationally active for their wellbeing and the significant contribution that occupational therapists can make by enabling rehabilitation of occupational activities.