Thesis (MScMedSc (Rehabilitation))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Many South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have suffered spinal cord
injury either in the line of duty or otherwise. This injury affects all spheres of life
(physical, emotional, social and psychological). Servicemen are often considered heroes
of their country and are often the ones who need to set aside their emotions in order to
fulfil their roles as soldiers. However, it is anticipated that a permanent
impairment/disability e.g. SCI will have an impact on their quality of life (QOL) and
satisfaction with living (SWL).
This study aims to explore whether emotional support offered to soldiers with spinal cord
injury (SCI) during rehabilitation improve their long-term QOL and SWL.
Thirteen soldiers who have been re-employed post injury were asked to complete a selfcompiled,
self-administered questionnaire regarding the emotional support offered during
rehabilitation and the impact thereof on long-term QOL and SWL.
The questionnaire focused on their ratings of the QOL and SWL in different areas of their
lives and circumstances and asked what they would advise newly injured individuals
regarding SCI and rehabilitation. Data was analysed using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Pearson’s chi-square test and the M-L chi-square tests were used to analyse the data with
the Statistica programme. A p-value of < 0.05 were calculated as statistically significant.
Emotional support during rehabilitation showed a significant impact on QOL (p=0.0497).
Ninety-two percent (n=12) of participants rated their QOL as good or excellent while
77% (n=10) rated their SWL as good. Participants who were older than 26 reported a
significantly higher rate of SWL than younger ones (p=0.0292). Furthermore, results
showed that the family was the most constant source of support during rehabilitation
(54%, n=7). Despite that, 77% (n=10) of participants felt that they received excellent
emotional support from the rehabilitation team.
The study results are intended to facilitate growth and development in the rehabilitation
process and guide professionals in the offering of emotional support.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/3091 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Parker, S. |
| Contributors | Mji, G., Visagie, S. J., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies of the University of Stellenbosch (CRS-US). |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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