Article

OBJECTIVE: To use spina bifida (SB) as a model of chronic physical disability to
study the associations of virtual socialization, friendships, and quality of life
(QOL) in adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Subjects were recruited
from residential living facilities, outpatient clinics, and the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) research registry. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria
were age between 18 and 80 years and clinical diagnoses of SB cystica
(myelomeningocele) and hydrocephalus. The exclusion criterion was the diagnosis
of SB occulta. Sixty-three eligible adults were enrolled, and all completed the
study. METHODS: The survey via questionnaire was performed in person or over the
telephone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Data collected included the World Health
Organization's Medical Outcomes Study 26-item Short Form, Economic
Self-Sufficiency from the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short
Form, virtual socializing habits, and number of friends. Three linear regression
models were performed, each with a unique dependent variable: number of friends,
psychological QOL, or social QOL. The following independent variables were
included in all models: age, gender, ethnicity, economic self-sufficiency,
marital status, education level, lesion level, health status, user group,
collection method, and time spent virtually socializing. In addition, each
regression model included the dependent variables from the other 2 models in its
independent variables. RESULTS: Increased degree of virtual socialization (VS)
was associated with a greater number of friends (P = .003, r = .684). Mean
(standard deviation) numbers of friends by VS groups were the following: users, n
= 4.9 +/- 2.7; semi-users, n = 3.8 +/- 2.7; and nonusers, n = 2.1 +/- 2.3, which
represent a 2.3 times greater number of friends between the users and nonusers.
The effect of virtual socialization on QOL was also positive, however, not
statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: People with chronic physical
disabilities, such as SB, are at high risk for peer rejection and long-term
social avoidance. Users of the most immersive forms of virtual socialization,
have more real world friends than both semi-users and nonusers. Any form of VS,
whether immersive or real time, may improve the opportunity for meaningful social
encounters. Prospective intervention studies are needed to elucidate whether a
causal positive relationship between virtual socialization and friendships
exists. Further research is needed to clarify virtual socialization's impact on
QOL; however, the upward trend in all 4 domains of QOL across user groups
suggests similar potential benefits.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS