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.