BACKGROUND: Spinal cord trauma is a risk factor for the development of pressure ulcers owing to various sensory and motor changes associated with this condition. This study aimed to assess the level of depression in patients with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers. METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study, which included 50 patients with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers. The data were collected between February 2010 and May 2011. In these individuals, the level of depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS:Among the patients, 32 (64%) were aged between 21 and 30 years, 34 (68%) were unemployed, 29 (58%) were married or in stable relationship, and 31 (62%) did not practice sports activities. In all, 18 (36%) patients developed spinal injuries owing to traffic accidents and 22 (44%) developed these owing to firearms. In all, 10 (20%) patients had developed spinal cord injuries since 2 years and 9 (18%) patients since 5 years. Category/stage III pressure ulcers were detected in 23 (46%) patients, and category/stage II pressure ulcers were noted in 18 (36%). Further, in 30 (60%) patients, pressure ulcers were associated with the presence of exudate and odor. In all, 14 (28%) patients had mild-to-moderate depression, 8 (16%) had moderate-to-severe depression, and 3 (6%) patients had severe depression. Depressive symptoms were noted in 48 (96%) patients with body image issues, 31 (62%) with self-deprecation, 30 (60%) with social withdrawal, and 48 (96%) with sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS:Most individuals with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers had depression, and their main symptoms included body image issues, self-deprecation, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts.
Paraplegia; Spinal cord injuries; Quality of life; Depression; Pressure ulcer
