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Interrelationships of sex, level of lesion, and transition outcomes among young adults with myelomeningocele

Bellin, MH and Dicianno, BE and Levey, E and Dosa, N and Roux, G and Marben, K and Zabel, TA (2011) Interrelationships of sex, level of lesion, and transition outcomes among young adults with myelomeningocele. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 53 (7). 647 - 652. ISSN 0012-1622

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Abstract

Aim To advance understanding of the interrelationships of sex, level of lesion (LOL), self-management, community integration (employment, independent living), and quality of life (QOL) in young adults with myelomeningocele. Method A multicenter convenience sample of 50 individuals with myelomeningocele, 18 to 25years of age (mean age 21y 5mo, SD 2y), participated in a structured clinical interview on self-management (Adolescent Self-Management and Independence Scale II [AMIS II]) and completed a self-report questionnaire comprising standardized measures. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF instrument. A chart review yielded clinical data. Results Most participants were Caucasian (78%), female (56%: 28 females, 22 males), unemployed (58%), and in supervised living environments (74%). Eighty per cent had a history of hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement. A lumbar LOL was most frequently reported (64%), followed by a sacral LOL (22%), and thoracic LOL (7%). Males were more likely to report employment (p=0.008), but females had greater success in transitioning into independent living settings (p=0.015). LOL was a significant predictor of specific dimensions of self-management, employment, and QOL (p<0.05). Mean scores on the AMIS II reflected deficits in condition management activities and tasks of everyday life. Limited QOL was also observed. Interpretation The overall low rates of employment and independent living suggest that individuals with myelomeningocele are experiencing great difficulty in achieving these milestones of emerging adulthood, regardless of sex. Limited success in developing self-management skills and restricted QOL also highlight vulnerability in this population. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2011 Mac Keith Press.

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Details

Item Type: Article
Status: Published
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Bellin, MH
Dicianno, BEdicianno@pitt.eduDICIANNO0000-0003-0738-0192
Levey, E
Dosa, N
Roux, G
Marben, K
Zabel, TA
Centers: Other Centers, Institutes, Offices, or Units > Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Date: 1 July 2011
Date Type: Publication
Journal or Publication Title: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
Volume: 53
Number: 7
Page Range: 647 - 652
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03938.x
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Rehabilitation Science and Technology
Refereed: Yes
ISSN: 0012-1622
MeSH Headings: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Employment--statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Status; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae--abnormalities; Male; Meningomyelocele--physiopathology; Meningomyelocele--psychology; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Sacrum--abnormalities; Sex Factors; Thoracic Vertebrae--abnormalities; Young Adult
PubMed ID: 21410695
Date Deposited: 04 Oct 2012 13:59
Last Modified: 05 Feb 2019 00:55
URI: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14738

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