Factors Affecting Subjective Vitality and Mental Health After Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study

To explore subjective vitality and mental health among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in South Korea; specifically the relationship between subjective vitality and mental health and their associations with SCI-related factors, including health conditions, activity, environmental, and personal factors.

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey conducted in South Korea between March and October 2017. Data from 688 community-dwelling individuals with SCI were included in this study. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships between vitality, mental health, and their associated factors.

A strong positive correlation was identified between subjective vitality and mental health (r=0.78, p<0.001). In multiple regression analyses, common factors significantly associated with both domains included sleep problems, healthcare-related activities, financial burden, self-efficacy, and belongingness. Bowel problems were associated only with subjective vitality, while pressure injury and perceived social attitudes were associated only with mental health.

These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches that address secondary health complications, promote healthcare education, and alleviate financial burdens to enhance both subjective vitality and mental health in individuals with SCI. Additionally, psychological interventions that foster belongingness and strengthen self-efficacy may further contribute to psychological well-being following SCI. Further research is needed to validate these associations and evaluate the long-term effects of such multidimensional strategies on subjective vitality and overall quality of life following SCI.