M S Islam1, M A Hafez, M Akter. 1. Department of Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, CRP-Chapain, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. physio.shofiqul@gmail.com
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to find out the clinical types and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with spinal cord lesion (SCL). SETTING: Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP). METHODS: Data were collected by face-to-face interview, with a structured interview schedule from admitted patients. Descriptive measures and χ(2)-test were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Of 107 patients, majority (20%) belonged to age group of 25-29 years (mean 31±12.2 years). About 83% were males; 65% married and 54% illiterate. Agricultural and other day laborers constituted the major occupation groups with mean monthly family income of US $60 (±$53). About 92% came from rural area and 84% belonged to nuclear family. About one-third of the patients were referred by the medical college hospitals. About 65% of the patients were admitted at 1-29 days of lesion with longest duration of 3 years. Patients were mostly (93%) traumatic. Fifty-four percent had paraplegia and most common skeletal level segment was cervical (44%). About 43% had pressure sores at admission. Eighty-nine percent needed management for bladder function through the use of catheter. Age, sex and occupation were associated with type of paralysis, skeletal level of injury and neurological condition; physical status, causes of lesion, type of injury and skeletal level of injury; and skeletal level of injury, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Major cause of SCL was traumatic. Available treatment facilities were inadequate and needed improvement through government and private initiatives.
STUDY DESIGN: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to find out the clinical types and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with spinal cord lesion (SCL). SETTING: Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP). METHODS: Data were collected by face-to-face interview, with a structured interview schedule from admitted patients. Descriptive measures and χ(2)-test were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Of 107 patients, majority (20%) belonged to age group of 25-29 years (mean 31±12.2 years). About 83% were males; 65% married and 54% illiterate. Agricultural and other day laborers constituted the major occupation groups with mean monthly family income of US $60 (±$53). About 92% came from rural area and 84% belonged to nuclear family. About one-third of the patients were referred by the medical college hospitals. About 65% of the patients were admitted at 1-29 days of lesion with longest duration of 3 years. Patients were mostly (93%) traumatic. Fifty-four percent had paraplegia and most common skeletal level segment was cervical (44%). About 43% had pressure sores at admission. Eighty-nine percent needed management for bladder function through the use of catheter. Age, sex and occupation were associated with type of paralysis, skeletal level of injury and neurological condition; physical status, causes of lesion, type of injury and skeletal level of injury; and skeletal level of injury, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Major cause of SCL was traumatic. Available treatment facilities were inadequate and needed improvement through government and private initiatives.