The Norwegian Polio Study 1994 part II: early experiences of polio and later psychosocial well-being.

STUDY DESIGN: The Norwegian Polio Study 1994 was a nation-wide survey of the medical and psychosocial situation of polio survivors. METHOD: A questionnaire, consisting of 133 questions with sub-questions, was sent to a total of 2392 polio victims, most of them registered in 'The National Society of Polio Victims' in Norway. 1449 (61%) answered. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between early polio experiences, such as duration of hospitalization and perceived support, and later psychosocial well-being. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-one persons (27%) reported they had been psychologically harmed by the treatment received at the time they contracted polio (Harmed group), while 1053 persons (73%) did not (Non-Harmed group). Persons in the Harmed group were significantly younger at polio onset, were hospitalized for a longer period and had less parental visit and support. Today they use more medication, report more pain, general fatigue, sleep disturbance and concentration problems, more psychosocial distress, less satisfaction with life and less social support than persons in the Non-Harmed group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that a subgroup of polio survivors has been vulnerable from childhood, with possible consequences for their physical, psychological and social wellbeing later in life. Recommendations for long-life treatment of children with similar diseases should include follow-up not only of their physical disabilities, but also on psychological and psychosocial needs.

The Norwegian Polio Study 1994: a nation-wide survey of problems in long-standing poliomyelitis.

'The Norwegian Polio Study 1994' was performed to make a nation-wide survey of the medical and social situation, and of the needs of anterior poliomyelitis (polio). A questionnaire, consisting of 133 questions with sub-questions, was sent to a total of 2392 polio victims, most of them registered in 'The National Society of Polio Victims' in Norway. 1449 persons (61%) answered. Sixty-six per cent were between 45 and 64 years of age, 25% were above 64 years and 9% were under 45 years. When specifying new health problems, 85% stated that they had experienced increased weakness in muscles affected by polio, while 58% had experienced increased weakness in previous non-affected muscles. Other health problems related to polio were fatigue during exercise (80%), general fatigue (57%), joint pain (58%), muscular pain (58%) and cold intolerance (62%). The participants indicated an increasing need of aids, but 80% were still independent of help from others and 57% were still employed, fully or part time. Only 17% were satisfied with the public health services for polio survivors, while 67% of those who had undergone comprehensive examination at some central hospital were satisfied. This study indicates an obvious need of building up expertise in multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of post polio problems in countries where acute polio has been eliminated.

[Polio victims in Norway. Results of a national study 1994]. / Polioskadede i Norge. Resultater fra Landsundersøkelsen 1994.

"The Norwegian Polio Study 1994" was conducted in order to survey the medical and social situation and the needs of polio victims. A questionnaire consisting of 133 questions with subquestions was sent to a total of 2,392 polio victims in Norway. 1,449 persons responded, of whom 66% were between 45 and 64 years of age. When specifying new health problems, between 55% and 85% stated that they had experienced increasing weakness of the muscles affected by polio, weakness in previously non-affected muscles, fatigue, intolerance to cold and/or pain in muscles and joints. Only 17% were satisfied with the public health services for polio victims. On the other hand, 67% of those who had undergone a comprehensive evaluation and had been treated at a central hospital were satisfied. The study indicates an obvious need to build up expertise in multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of post-polio victims.