Quality of life and health conditions reported from two post-polio clinics in Israel.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the perceptions of health and quality of life among a group of polio survivors in Israel and to identify potential activities for improving their quality of life.

DESIGN

An observational study.

SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 101 polio survivors who sought treatment at 2 post-polio clinics in Israel. The majority of participants were between the ages of 45 and 65 years, and approximately 25% were wheelchair-bound.

METHODS

Participants were invited to attend a seminar, where they were invited to complete a questionnaire on demographic variables, mobility, perceptions of and satisfaction with health status and quality of life, and the potential contribution of 16 activities to improve their quality of life.

RESULTS

Participants had low physical scores and normative mental scores. Mean scores on the Short-Form-12 questionnaire for physical and mental components were 32.9 and 50.3, respectively. Approximately 70% expressed the belief that exposure to up-to-date information about post-polio, as well as participation in social activities, might improve their quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Information about the physical and mental components of polio survivors, as well as the desire to partake in specific activities for polio survivors, may serve as a basis for the operations and prioritization of service providers.