Objective: This survey identifies the psychosocial aspects of caring for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients at the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC). Specifically it aims to determine the demographic profile, psychiatric morbidity, and perceived social support of this population. Methodology: This cross-sectional study describes the psychological impairment and perceived social support of 42 SCI patients, which were assessed through the Self-Reporting Questionnaire and Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire. Results and Conclusion: A mean age of 35.3 years was noted, with males accounting for 74 percent of the SCI patients studied. Most of them were skilled workers who had reached high school. About 66 percent had complete spinal cord transection. 57.1 percent of the study population had a score of 5 or more on SRQ items 1 to 20 which screen for anxiety and depressive symptoms, while 23.8 percent had a score of one or more SRQ items 21 to 24 which screen for psychotic symptoms. The spouses (33 percent) and the nursing staff (31.7 percent) were the most supportive.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; SPINAL CORD INJURIES ; SOCIAL SUPPORT