J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2007 Apr;31(2):188-195.

The Life of Persons with C4 Tetraplegia in the Community Residence

• Lee BS
• Kim MS
• Kim YH
• Lim MH
• Kim DM
• Yu JA

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the life of persons with C4 tetraplegia in the community residence. METHOD: This study was designed as a personal interview survey using the questionnaires for the general characteristics, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), Diener's satisfaction with life scale, and Rosenberg self esteem scale. The subjects were 15 persons with C4 tetraplegia.
RESULTS
Among 15 persons, six were married, three of them were married after the injury. Five persons reported being employed, thirteen persons used computers. The number of cases for remodeling their houses were 13. Twelve persons reported being 'glad to be alive'. Their Diener's satisfactionof life scale was 16.6 (slightly dissatisfied). Rosenberg self esteem scale was 23.3. The CHART showed the following scores: physical independence 46, mobility 56, occupation 30, social integration 89, and economic self sufficiency 68. Diener's satisfaction with life scale of the subjects were significantly correlated with that of their caregiver (p=0.006).
CONCLUSION
The life of the individual with C4 tetraplegia in the community was more active than expected, considering their substantial physical limitation. Therefore, appropriate post-discharge planning should be included in inpatient rehabilitation program for the C4 tetraplegics.

Keyword

Quality of life; C4 tetraplegia; Community

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Humans
Inpatients
Occupations
Quadriplegia*
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Rehabilitation
Self Concept