Mental Health among Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Background In this study we wanted to assess the mental health status of the patients with traumatic spinal cord injury and evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors and other factors relating to injury and their mental health. Methods This is a descriptive study done among 36 persons with traumatic spinal cord injury who are the beneficiaries of the Santwanam Charitable Trust. All 36 persons were willing to participate in the study. The data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Results Depression was found in 20 patients (mild 8.3%, moderate 33.3%, severe 13.9%) 69.4% (25) of the patients were found to be anxious (mild 13.9%, moderate anxiety 11.1%, severe anxiety in 44.4%) 33.3% of the patients suffered from moderate depression, 44.4% suffered from severe anxiety. Depression or anxiety were not found to be significantly associated with any of the sociodemographic factors and also the disease, and its associated conditions. Conclusion The depression or anxiety that the study participants have, are not found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic factors or any other factors related to TSCI. This may be due to small sample size.