1Department of Nursing, Pusan National University 2Department of Nursing, Pusan National University 3Pusan National University Hospital
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the relationship between level of activity of daily living (ADL) and Self-Care Agency in patients who have had a spinal cord injury. Method: The participants in the study were 78 persons who had a spinal cord injury and were between 20 and 70 years of age. The data were collected from November 1, 2003 to January 30, 2004. The instruments used in this study were the ADL Check List and Self-Care Agency Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program and included numbers, percentages, t-test and ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The total mean score for activity of daily living was $44.21{pm}16.63$. The total mean score fur Self-Care Agency was $107.45{pm}15.71$, There was a significant difference between scores for ADL and Self-Care Agency. Conclusion: In order to increase the level of ADL, rehabilitation nurses should ensure that these patients receive training in ADL. Also, it was identified that informational support is important, that is, nurses should help to provide these patients with Self-Care Agency training for ADL.