| Abstract: |
Sense of control is an important factor regulating every-day functioning and
influencing appraisal of individual quality of life. In the situation of loss
of motor functions, as observed in case of spinal cord injury, all aspects of
person’s life undergo a significant change. Unfitness to perform certain
actions may be felt as a limitation of ability to influence and control both
surroundings as well as a personal (physiological and emotional) sphere. It is
especially crucial for people with injury level of Th6 and above, experiencing
symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, which poses a significant threat of rapid
deterioration of one’s health and untreated, may lead to death. Health locus
of control, either internal or external, determines individual perception of
factors influencing one’s wellbeing and general assessment of health. It
lays foundations to positive or negative evaluation of life.The aim of this
study is to investigate health locus of control and its impact on quality of
life in individuals with spinal cord injury, experiencing symptoms of
autonomic dysreflexia, in Poland and Great Britain.A total of 65 individuals
with spinal cord injury, level Th6 and above experiencing symptoms of
autonomic dysreflexia, from Poland (33 participants) and Great Britain (32
participants) were recruited. Study group consisted of people in young and
middle adulthood with mean age of 31 ± 5. Each culturally diverse group
represented a different type of care system, accordingly: institutional and
person- centred/ individual. Research methods used include: Multidimentional
Health Locus of Control Questionnaire (MHLC), Quality of Life Questionnaire
– Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Sociodemographic Questionnaire and
Autonomic Dysreflexia Questionnaire (author’s construction).Results of
psychometric analysis show significant differences in quality of life as well
as health locus of control in two groups. Higher scores on MHLC internal
subscale were found in participants from Great Britain, and were related to
more positive assessment (higher scores) of quality of life in this group.
Lower quality of life as well as higher results of internal subscale in MHLC
questionnaire was found in participants from Poland. Internal health locus of
control is associated with positive evaluation of one’s ability to control
physical aspects of functioning, which is important for psychological
wellbeing. Understanding relationship between locus of control and quality of
life is a key to designing and implementing accurate intervention as well as
education programs; being the source of support for patients. |