AbstractsSocial Work

Psychosocial factors contributing to the development of pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) in male paraplegics

by Lindiwe Dorothy Mthembu




Institution: University of Johannesburg
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: Sociology of disability; Paraplegics - South Africa; Paraplegics - Rehabilitation; Bedsores; Social work with people with disabilities
Record ID: 1437565
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13416


Abstract

This study was conducted within the context of the Mining Industry at The Ernest Oppenheimer Hospital. The empirical investigation involved 18 male paraplegics, that were under medical care for repeated pressure sores. The aim of the research was to: Explore and describe selected psychosocial factors that contribute to the development of pressure sores to male paraplegics that were injured in industrial accidents. It was found that: The psychosocial aspects of the spinal cord injured person are important in the holistic rehabilitation and adaptation post injury. Patients who develop repeated pressure sores need to be evaluated by the multi-professional team of the spinal unit.