Components of quality of life for persons with a quadriplegic and paraplegic spinal cord injury

This investigation determined the themes that represented quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury. Fifteen people (6 females, 9 males; 7 persons with quadriplegia, 8 with paraplegia) participated in this study, which used naturalistic inquiry methodologies. Results showed that quality of life for this population, regardless of severity of impairment, consisted of nine themes: (a) physical function and independence, (b) accessibility, (c) emotional well-being, (d) stigma, (e) spontaneity, (f) relationships and social function, (g) occupation, (h) finances, and (i) physical well-being. The themes of life quality were similar for quadriplegics and paraplegics; however, physical function and independence and physical well-being affected the quality of life of persons with a quadriplegic injury to a greater extent. These findings may provide health professionals with information necessary to assist in the development of programs to enhance quality of life.