Lived experience of elderly individuals with paraplegia : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury is one of the devasting conditions in the elderly population. Previous studies indicated that the incidence of spinal cord injury are increasing in elderly. Several studies have been conducted on the lived experience of spinal cord injury patients in different age groups. However, few studies have been done on spinal cord injury and older people. There is no published data on spinal cord injury and the persons with elderly in the South Asian region. Aim: This research explored the lived experience of elderly individuals with paraplegia. Methods: This study followed the phenomenological approach of qualitative research design. Seven participants were recruited using purposive sampling who had lived in the community for at least two years after completing rehabilitation services and were aged ≥60 years. The self-developed interview guide was used to conduct face-to-face, in-depth interviews with participants at their homes. Data were analysed by Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis. Results: Participants explained their experience with physical health, psychological health, society, family and productive life. Eight main themes have emerged from data analysis: i. Occupational Role, ii. Physical Health Issues, iii. Emotional Health, iv. Relationships, v. Social Attitude, vi. Access to Fundamental Rights for Persons with Disabilities, vii. Burden of Age and Disability, viii. Resiliency. Each theme has a sub-theme except Burden of Age and Disability, and Resiliency. The findings demonstrate the significance role in family and productive life, physical and emotional health, meaningful relationship with family, relatives and colleagues, different attitude from society, limited access to fundamental rights for persons with disabilities such as healthcare facilities, disability or old age allowance, safe residence and social participation. Furthermore, the study findings have revealed resilience among the elderly over time, in addition to the burden of older age and disability. Conclusions: This thesis explored the lived experience of elderly persons with paraplegia. Specialised geriatric care service is essential in rehabilitation centres and community levels for the older persons. Along with geriatric care services, we need to raise awareness for the access of persons with disabilities to fundamental rights in our community. Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Paraplegia, Elderly, Older adults, Geriatric population.