Functional impairment of spinal cord injury and caregiver depression in BANGLADESH

Abstract

Purpose: To make a connection between functional impairment of SCI patient and caregiver depression. Objectives: To explore the association between functional impairment of SCI patient and depression of caregivers in Bangladesh. Methodology: The study design was cross-sectional. Total 70 samples were selected conveniently for this study from Centre for the rehabilitation of the paralysed (CRP), Spinal cord injury unit at Savar. Data was collected by using two questionnaire where functional impairment of SCI patient was assessed by the Spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) questionnaire and depression of caregiver was assessed by Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: Among 70 SCI patients evaluated, skeletal level of injury 56% (n=39) in cervical level, 33% (n=23) is thoracic level and 11% (n=8) in lumber level. According to ASIA scale. 59% (n=41) are complete A, 19% (n=13) are incomplete B, 17% (n=12) are complete C, 6% (n=4) are incomplete D. Among 70 caregivers, 37% (n=26) were male and 63% (n=44) were female. 0-10 hours daily caregiving was done by 27% (n=19) and in between 10-20 hours caregiving was done by 73% (n=51). Patients with lower independence levels (0-25) were 43 and their caregivers were moderately depressed 22, moderately severe depressed 14 and severely depressed 4. Conclusion: Caregivers of Lower independence level or higher functional impaired patient with SCI reported moderate depression and had a significant association between functional impairment of SCI & caregiver depression. Key words: Functional impairment, SCI, Depression, Caregiver.