The influence of post-polio syndrome on independence and life satisfaction.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to find out the influence of the new symptoms on life satisfaction and independent living and the most frequent disabilities in patients with post-polio syndrome that are affecting the satisfaction and independence.

METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to all the post-polio survivors (207) who visited the Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana at least once in the last ten years. We got 100 answers, which were analysed by SPSS (statistical package for social sciences).

RESULTS

Sixty nine reported that they had new symptoms that may be classified as post-polio syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

We have found that the new symptoms in post-polio survivors, which may be classified as post-polio syndrome, increased their walking and climbing stairs disability, increased their disability to perform daily activities and also decreased their satisfaction with life.