A Medicosocial Study Of Paraplegics In Armed Forces

Abstract

A cross sectional study of 81 paraplegics was carried out to determine various medical and psychosocial aspects of the disability. Majority of the cases were results of preventable external injuries, which mostly affected the young productive age group. A large number of cases had permanent impairment of mobility, bowel, bladder and sexual functions. Psychological reactions of anxiety and denial were most frequently encountered in initial stages, but gradually declined in successive stages of rehabilitation. Individuals with independent vocations were psychologically and socially well adjusted.