Life Satisfaction in War Veterans with Ankle-Foot Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders

The long term presence of various ankle-foot injuries reduces the individuals’ ability to perform daily activities, increases the dependence on others and will eventually lead to a reduction of life satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the life satisfaction of war veterans with ankle-foot neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
The veterans with ankle-foot injuries from 6 provinces, participated in this descriptive study. Medical examinations were conducted by specialists .Trained interviewers gathered demographic and life satisfaction data. Life satisfaction was assessed using the SWLS (Satisfaction with Life Scale) form. Scores ranged from 5 to 35 and the classification was as follow: very dissatisfied (5-9), dissatisfied (10-14), slightly dissatisfied (15-19), moderately satisfied (20-24), satisfied (25-29) and very satisfied (30-35). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software.
The mean age of 577 veterans at the time of study was 52.4±8.2 years. The nervous lesion at lower limbs included sciatic 24.5% (N=141), femoral 5.3% (N=31), peroneal 28.2% (N=162), tibial 21.8% (N=126). There was 50.2% (N=290) ankle dorsiflexion. Life satisfaction’s mean score was 17.6 ± 7.1. Data showed that 17.3% (N=100) were satisfied or very satisfied and 60.0% (N=346) were dissatisfied. Moderately satisfaction level was reported in 22.7% (N=131). Significant relationships were observed between life satisfaction and disability rate (P0.05).
The majority of veterans with ankle-foot neuromusculoskeletal disorders were dissatisfied with life. The disability rate, education level and employment status were associated with life satisfaction.