ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: An exploratory longitudinal study. OBJECTIVES: (a) Compare the occupational performance, and life satisfaction of spouses of men with SCI with those of spouses of healthy men, (b) compare the occupational performance, perceived health, and life satisfaction of spouses of men with SCI at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and 6 months postdischarge; and (c) assess whether the functioning levels of men with SCI and the perceived mental health of the spouse, correlate with her occupational performance. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spouses of men with spinal cord injury (SCI) report having symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, their ability to choose everyday occupations and perform them satisfactorily (occupational performance) was less studied. METHODS: Fifteen women spouses of men with SCI and 15 women spouses of healthy men participated. Study measures included four self-report questionnaires and the Occupational Performance History Interview that was analyzed quantitatively and measured occupational performance by three components: occupational identity, competence, and settings. RESULTS: Occupational performance and life satisfaction of caregivers were lower than those of spouses of healthy men and did not significantly change over 6 months. However, they had higher scores on physical, mental, and general health 6 months postdischarge than at discharge. Mental health of the spouse correlated with her occupational identity. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that rehabilitation intervention focus not only on patients with SCI, but also on their healthy spouses to promote their occupational performance, health, and well-being. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
