Citation

Lindahl M, Juneja H, Teljigovic S, Rafn J, Nielsen NO. Disabil. Rehabil. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Faculty of Physiotherapy, Center of Nutrition and Rehabilitation, University College Absalon , Roskilde , Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09638288.2019.1669224

PMID

31560231

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate how accidents leading to fracture affect sense of coherence and health-related quality of life 6 months later and the association between the two phenomena. Materials and methods: A cohort study including 201 patients admitted to hospital with fractures was conducted. Data were based on structured interviewing a few days after admission and 6 months later. Sense of coherence was evaluated with a nine-item scale and health-related quality of life was examined with the subscales of Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: Follow-up comprised 164 patients (81.6%), mean age 47 years. Sense of coherence changed to be either stronger (43%) or weaker (41%) and was stable for 15.9% of the participants. Health-related quality of life changed positively after 6 months but did not reach normative values. Strong sense of coherence was significantly associated with the SF-36 subscales emotional role functioning, social functioning, vitality, and mental health. Conclusions: Accidents leading to fracture can be stressful life events that could influence an individual's sense of coherence to be stronger or weaker. The association between sense of coherence and health-related quality of life emphasises the importance of therapists supporting the patients' personal resources and promote a salutogenic focus. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION An injury may change an individual's sense of coherence to be stronger or weaker. For patients who sustain fracture, sense of coherence should be included in therapists' analysis of personal resources and support a salutogenic perspective. Health-related quality of life is especially for younger individuals affected by an accident and its consequences and need a guided and meticulous rehabilitation course.

Language: en

Keywords

Sense of coherence; bone; cohort study; fractures; quality of life