Organizational Psychology Department, Alliant International University, San Diego State University, & Psychology Department, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
BACKGROUND: Limited research explains the quality of life (QOL) among burn survivors during post-hospitalization rehabilitation.
PURPOSE: To determine the QOL of military and civilian burn survivors treated in the military burn center.
METHODS: In this longitudinal study, QOL was examined in 131 burn survivors (88 civilians; 43 military). Participants completed the Abbreviated Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS-A) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) over 5 time points post-discharge.
DISCUSSION: Civilian and military participants reported improved QOL over time on most BSHS-A subscales. Military participants had higher global BSHS-A scores at discharge, but at 6 months plateaued while civilians improved and had higher global BSHS-A scores at 18 months. Scores on the SWLS were consistently higher for military participants than for civilians.
CONCLUSION: Military versus civilian patients may have different expectations about their ability to rehabilitate. The post-hospitalization period needs to be better understood to develop appropriate QOL interventions.