Evaluation of General Health and Associated Factors among Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries Registered with the Rasht Welfare Organization, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
نویسندگان
1 PhD, Department of Counseling, School of Humanities, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
2 MSc, Department of Counseling, School of Humanities, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
3 MSc, Department of Midwifery, School of Midwifery and Nursing, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
4 PhD Student, Department of Counseling, School of Humanities, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
doi
10.48305/jrrs.2026.45610.1122چکیده
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most important lasting complication following trauma, leading to temporary or permanent changes in motor-sensory or autonomic functions. These changes disrupt the patient’s life balance, often resulting in anxiety and reduced life satisfaction, which ultimately diminishes psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental disorders and their associated factors in this population.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study, 89 individuals with SCI were selected from a population of 115 members of the Welfare Organization of Rasht City, Iran, using the Cochran sampling formula. Participants included those who had referred to clinics and hospitals in Rasht City for rehabilitation services in 2021. Data were collected using the Goldberg and Hillier General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).Results: Data analysis using t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that women (mean GHQ = 39.10) exhibited significantly better mental health compared to men (mean GHQ = 46.11) (P = 0.011). Employment status also had a significant effect, with employed participants showing better general health (P = 0.012). No significant differences were observed regarding age groups, marital status, or injury level (P > 0.05). Receiving rehabilitation services did not result in a statistically significant difference in mental health (mean GHQ = 45.69 in recipients vs. 48.32 in non-recipients, t = 1.47, P = 0.228). However, the duration of injury significantly affected general health; mean GHQ scores for participants with injury durations of < 5 years, 5-10 years, and > 10 years were 45.21, 46.78, and 52.11, respectively (F = 6.79, P = 0.002), indicating a decline in mental health as the duration of injury increased.Conclusion: This study suggests that the mental health of individuals with SCI is more heavily influenced by gender, employment, social support, and injury duration than by other demographic factors. Consequently, providing continuous rehabilitation services and strengthening psychosocial support are crucial for maintaining and improving the overall health of these patients.
