The purpose of this investigation was to study subjective symptoms, medical and social situation, pulmonary function and physical work capacity during a period of 3 ± 5 years in patients with the postpolio syndrome. We evaluated 68 patients consecutively admitted to our hospital because of postpolio syndrome, and re-evaluated 63 of the same patients 3 ± 5 years later, 43 women and 20 men with mean age 55+10 (1 SD) years at the second evaluation. The patients answered a questionnaire about their subjective symptoms and medical and social situation, and underwent spirometry as well as symptom-limited exercise stress testing. Most patients experienced increasing symptoms and physical disability related to their polio, while the majority reported that their mental health were unchanged or improved. The lung function was in average moderately reduced of restrictive type, and only minor changes were found during the 3 ± 5 years. A pronounced reduction in peak oxygen uptake was seen at the ®rst evaluation, especially in women. At the second examination, peak oxygen uptake was further decreased, especially in men, more than predicted from increasing age. The patients increased their body mass index signi®cantly during the same period. These results indicate that subjective symptoms and physical disability related to polio increased with increasing age in these patients with the post-polio syndrome, and cardiorespiratory deconditioning and weight gain also became increasing problems in most patients. However, the mental status of the patients remained stable or improved, possibly due to our comprehensive re-rehabilitation and educational programme.

The present study indicates that the elderly polio population are experiencing new muscle weakness and increasing health problems, but that the deterioration occurs slowly and with fewer consequences for the subjective experience of general health and well-being, indicating that the patients are adapting to their life situation. However, subgroups of the elderly polio population are in need of special care.

Aims: To explore self-perceived physical and psychological health among elderly Norwegian polio survivors. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the Norwegian Society of Polio Survivors (LFPS) and others registered with polio in the South-Eastern Norway the last five years (n=1968). A total of 1408 persons responded (72 %). Participants below age 65 years were excluded, leaving 1155 subjects, with a mean age of 72.5 years. The questionnaire covered data from the onset of polio and current demographic, physical, health-related, psychological and social variables. Lisat 11, Fatigue Severity Scale, Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) were also included. Results: Concomitant diseases, use of wheelchair, pain and fatigue and a negative perception of the future were associated with unsatisfactory physical health, while feeling psychologically harmed by early treatment and the RSA Factor Perception of self predicted psychological health. Polio survivors demonstrated a capacity for resilience, as they largely reported RSA-scores comparable with young healthy controls. Conclusion: Polio survivors represent a pioneer generation of disabled, who have experienced multiple adversities, longstanding disabilities and physical decline. They still need professionals with expertise on aging with polio and an understanding for the challenges they have experienced.

Immigrants with polio coming to Norway are younger and have a different medical history, social background and health challenges than native Norwegian polio-injured subjects. The aim of this study was to explore the health situation among non-Western immigrants to Norway with polio. A questionnaire covering demographics, polio history, life satisfaction, medical, psychological and social conditions was answered by 34 immigrants from non-Western countries, and compared to Western immigrants with polio and native Norwegians with polio. The immigrant polio group was highly educated, reported a high frequency of mental health problems, and one-third was working. Not more than one-third was hospitalized in the acute phase. The immigrant polio group reported more fatigue, pain and loneliness than the native Norwegian patients. Use of a wheelchair was reported by 7 out of 10, and a high percentage reported insufficient assistance from the public health system. The complex psychological and social situation for non-Western immigrants with polio requires extra consideration from the health system, and health professionals need specialized information in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for these patients. Objective: To explore the health situation and identify specific health challenges in non-Western immigrants with polio in Norway, by comparing their status with Western immigrants with polio and native Norwegians with polio. Design: A questionnaire covering demographics, polio history, life satisfaction, medical, psychological and social conditions was answered by 1,408 persons with polio, among them 34 immigrants from non-Western countries and 32 immigrants from Western countries. Results: The non-Western immigrant polio group had a mean age of 46 years, were highly educated, reported high frequency of mental health problems and only one-third was working. Mean age for contracting polio was 2.8 years. Only 30% was hospitalized in the acute phase and 80% reported severe leg weakness. Use of a powered wheelchair was reported by 72%. Post-polio symptoms had started at a mean age of 31 years. The non-Western immigrant group reported more fatigue, pain and loneliness, and a high proportion reported insufficient assistance from the public health system. Conclusion: The group of non-Western immigrants with polio in Norway reported more health and social problems than the group of Western immigrants with polio or the native Norwegian group with polio, even though they were younger and more highly educated. Their complex psychological and social situation requires active intervention from the health system, and health professionals need extra skills to deal most effectively with their situation.

No abstract