Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the psychological health of the individuals with
long-standing poliomyelitis, with or without post-polio syndrome (PPS), to the
general population and to identify the role of work as well as other variables
with regard to their psychological health. DESIGN:
A cross-sectional study.
SUBJECTS: One hundred and ninety-five polio patients attending postpolio clinic
in Jerusalem. METHODS: Emotional distress (ED) was measured using the general
health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Demographic, medical, social and functional data
were recorded using a specific structured questionnaire. Each polio patient was
compared to four age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: ED was higher in the
polio population as compared to the general population. Within the polio
population ED was inversely correlated with work status. No correlation was found
between ED and the functional level of polio participants and no difference was
found in GHQ score between polio participants with or without post-polio. In
addition, ED was less affected by subjective perception of physical health among
polio patients as compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Long-standing
poliomyelitis is associated with decreased psychological health as compared to
the general population. Yet, the resilience of polio survivors is manifested by
their ability to block further decline of their psychological health in spite of
deterioration in their physical health. Work appears as a significant source of
resilience in the polio population. Implications for Rehabilitation Individuals
with long-standing poliomyelitis often suffer from high emotional distress and
may benefit from psychotherapy aimed at reducing distress. As active employment
status is associated with increased mental health among polio survivors,
encouraging participation at work needs to be a significant component of
psychotherapeutic programs. Polio survivors, although physically disabled, may be
relatively resilient, as their mental health is less affected by their negative
health perception. This and other expressions of resilience may serve as a
platform for increasing personal growth among them by implementing hope-oriented
psychotherapy.

Langue : ANGLAIS