Adaptative problems of persons with paraplegia to new life conditions

Paraplegia is a disease which seriously affects process of self-realization of a human being. Every sphere of human life: phisical, psychical, social, economical, family and occupational has been changed after such trauma. The image of ourselves is modified as well as our previous sytem of values, our aims and plans for life. Purpose of Research. The purpose of this research was to show what kind of problems are common with people with paraplegia during their process of adaptation to new conditions of life. Group of Research. Group of research included 32 persons with post-traumatic paraplegia. There was 6 women (18,7%), and 26 men (81,25%) who took part in the research. The average age of the investigated group is 32 (from 19 to 60). The average time since trauma is 9 years and 5 months ( 1 - 46 years). Methodology. A special detailed questionnarie that included 92 questions was used in the research. Inquiries where both open, and closed, about personal details, economical situation, living conditions, reabilitation, occupational activities, social life and contacts and psychosocial problems. Participation in the research consist in individual filling of the questionnarie by indicating the most appropriate answers. Results. Apartment adaptationt for the people with paraplegia is quite good, but there are some apartments which are not adjusted at all. Most of those, who were questioned, is living with their families, so they can count on any support from their relatives. Serious problem occurs in the relations with a partner because in 50% of the people they became worse. 65,6% of the questioned have problems with sexual relations. Economic sytuation is being described as average by 47%, but as much as 22% claim that their sytuation is bad. Majority of disabled can’t afford for the rehabilitation, acces to the place of rehabilitation, sanatortoium or orthopedic suuplies. The physical rehabilitation is the most needed and required. After trauma, only 5 people amongst 32 works and earn. Social life of the better part of paraplegics is greatly limited.