Life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord injury across the seasons

Study design Longitudinal study. Objectives This study aimed to examine level and variations of life satisfaction (LS) across the seasons in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting Polish sample of persons with SCI. Methods The study included 56 persons with SCI, who repeatedly completed the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSaT-9), and a study-specific questionnaire across the four seasons in a calendar year. Mixed model analyses were performed to: (1) examine seasonal changes in LS; (2) explore the possible moderating factors on seasonal changes in LS. Results There were significant seasonal trends in overall and domain-specific LS scores; yet, these changes differed in terms of shape (i.e. linear vs. quadratic). In general, the highest LS scores occurred in spring across all domains, followed by a significant reduction in summer; yet, there were u-shape trends in LS domain scores for life as a whole, vocational, and financial situation and partner relations (P-for-quadratic trends <= 0.05). Five individual characteristics, i.e. place of living, education, gender, physical activity, and time since injury significantly moderated seasonal trends in LS scores (P's for interaction <= 0.05). Conclusion Life satisfaction in persons with SCI differs significantly in relation to different seasons throughout a year. The season of the year should be considered in future studies on LS and included in evaluating and projecting healthcare interventions or programs for persons with SCI.