[Analysis of quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury: environmental and self esteem variables].

This study was conducted in subjects who became paraplegic or quadreplegic after accidental traumatic injury to the spinal cord. The aim was to determine the effect of different personal factors and of environment on their quality of life. Data obtained from the patients in the different questionnaires completed during interviews were analysed to determine the Linear Structural Relationships. The results demonstrated a direct significant impact of three quality of life variables: a) the amount of caring expressed in the behaviour and attitudes of the individual's family during his childhood and infancy, b) the current level of self-estime and c) self-involvement and personal activities (for example in studies or employment). Other relationships between the different study factors also appeared and contributed to an explanation of the subject's life style after the accidental trauma to the spinal cord.