Determinants of health knowledge and health perceptions from the perspective of health-related education of patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Abstract

Appropriate health knowledge (HK) and health perceptions (HP) of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are linked to health-related behaviors, compliance, the involvement of caregivers and efficacy of prophylaxis, and management of secondary conditions. The significance of factors determining the efficacy of educational interventions in patients with SCI is underestimated. This systematic literature review aims at identification of determinants of HK and HP among patients with SCI. We identified 16 papers with quantitative HK and HP measurements conclusive in the identification of HK and HP determinants in individuals with SCI. Better HK and HP correlated with health condition-related variables (traumatic SCI, history of secondary conditions, except depression), body functions and structures (tetraplegia, incomplete deficit), activities (independence in daily living activities, ability of locomotion on a wheelchair, inability to walk), social and vocational participation, environmental factors (access to a computer with Internet connection, living in a big city, being married, healthcare recently received), and personal factors (younger age among adults, living with SCI for a longer time, younger age at SCI onset, higher educational level, internal locus of control). Limitations encountered included high nonresponse rates among the patients enrolled, and use of heterogeneous and nonvalidated tools. The results of these studies do not cover the entire scope of possible interactions and exclusively apply univariate correlations. The paucity and methodological limitations of studies conclusive in the identification of HK and HP determinants in SCI patients and the development of new approaches to information and education warrant more high-quality research on the basis of multivariate analyses.

Secondary health conditions in individuals with acquired long-term disabilities

“…As indicated by Paker et al (2006), exacerbation of health problems and more frequent re-hospitalizations within five years of acquiring motor disabilities are associated with significant shortcomings in rehabilitation and home care. It appears that better health awareness and higher self-esteem go hand in hand with fewer SHCs (Tederko, Krasuski, Krasuski, Długołęcka, & Tarnacka, 2017), which in turn confirms an important role of health-related behaviors in preventing SHCs (Mashola & Mothabeng, 2019). Hence, it may be assumed that effective prevention is possible and should be based on education, health promotion, support in developing personal capacities, and good access to healthcare, as well as technological support that is convenient for individuals with a disability (Rimmer et al, 2011;Turk, 2006).…”

Como as tecnologias assistivas para acesso a computadores podem ajudar as pessoas com lesão medular?

“…A sensação de fragilidade, comumente acompanhada de baixa autoestima, levam-as a necessidade de vivenciarem o luto, portanto elas necessitam de suporte emocional para alcançaram a normalização da vida. Isso requer flexibilidade contínua, persistência e soluções focadas no ajustamento, comumente interpretadas processo de resiliência (Geard et al, 2018;Tederko et al, 2017).…”

The effectiveness of spinal cord injury ADL inpatient education on rehabilitation outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…For example, education starts bed-side and shifts to other formats like discussion, conference, and peer interaction. SCI patients will gradually take responsibility for themselves (Tederko et al., 2017; Wyk et al., 2015). Rice et al.…”

“…Optimising occupational therapy SCI patient education is likely to improve rehabilitation outcomes for SCI individuals (Tederko et al., 2017). This suggests the need to evaluate current interventions to establish best practice in occupational therapy SCI patient education.…”