How Do Fluctuations in Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, Depressed Mood, and Perceived Cognitive Function Relate to Same-Day Social Participation in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury?

Objective This study aimed to examine same-day associations of pain, fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety, and perceived cognitive function with social participation in the daily lives of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Observational study utilized a combination of baseline surveys and 7 end-of-day (EOD) diaries. Setting General community. Participants Individuals with SCI (N = 168; mean age= 49.8 years; 63% male, 37% female). Main outcome measures Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short form measures (Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, Pain Intensity, Depression, Anxiety, and Cognitive Function Abilities) were adapted for daily administrations as EOD diaries. Result Results of multilevel modeling showed that daily increases in fatigue (B= -0.10; p=0.004) and depressive symptoms (B= -0.25; p=. Conclusion This is the first study that shows within-person associations of common SCI symptoms with social participation in the daily lives of adults with SCI. Results from the current study may help to develop more effective individualized treatments of symptoms and symptom impact aimed at improving social participation.