Findings from the first Community Survey

About the Project

General findings

Daily life

Most people rated their quality of life as good or very good, but still experience regular challenges. 

• 29% said accessing public transport is a problem
• 26% said using hands and fingers is a problem

For more information click here to download the 2018 Australian Results Infographic

Bladder problems

Problems with the bladder were very common among people with spinal cord injuries.60% had problems.

• 12% had extreme problems
• 34% had an indwelling catheter
• 48% had urinary tract infections

For more information click here to download the Bladder, bowel and sexual function after SCI Infographic.

Experiencing pain

Pain is an ever-present part of the lives of many people with spinal cord injury.

• 46% experience continuous pain
• 41% saw a physio in last 12-months
• 44% had nerve and joint/muscle pain
• 70% use three or more strategies to manage pain

 For more information click here to download the Pain after SCI Infographic. 

Employment

Most people with a spinal cord injury wanted to work, but for some, managing their health and finding suitable work was an overwhelming challenge.

• 50% worked at some point since injury
• It took an average of 2.3 years to get back to work
• 35% used work rehabilitation services
• Participants worked on average 30 hours per week

For more information click here to download the Working after SCI Infographic.

Other Information / Translation Outputs

Translation is the process of using the research findings to make positive changes to the way problems that people with SCI are having are addressed by health professionals or to make changes to policies affecting people with SCI at a system level e.g. government or other organisations.