Self-efficacy mediating the occurrence of secondary conditions after spinal cord injury (SCI)

Design: Findings are based on year1 interim data from a 2-year longitudinal study of persons with SCI. Assessments were conducted at two 6-month intervals with bi-weekly tracking of medical complications and exercise habits for the purpose of detecting interplay with self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was measured using the standardized Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSEF), a 10-item Lickert-type measure with a maximum score of 40.

Participants: 40 individuals with SCI (35 male, 5 female; 26 tetraplegics, 14 paraplegics), with an average age of 37.8 years (range 22-57 years), and average duration of injury of 8.5 years (range 6 months – 25 years) participated.

Results: Analysis of the subgroups did not reveal a direct link between self-efficacy and SCI demographic variables (level and longevity of injury, age, and gender), however several factors seemed critical to the relationship between self-efficacy and secondary conditions. Of participants with low self-efficacy (score<32), 33% were working, 11% exercised daily, and 77% had tetraplegia. Of participants with high self-efficacy (score >33), 64% were working, 22% exercised daily, and 55% had tetraplegia. Regression analysis identified two out of six significant factors. Self-efficacy was inversely associated with anxiety (p=.039) and directly associated with number of well doctor visits (p= .001).

Conclusion: Findings suggest that patients with higher self-efficacy scores are more likely to better manage their emotions, such as anxiety. This may translate to an improved understanding of and attention to the importance of self-managed care, as indicated by the greater number of well visits with the doctor.