There is a lack of research available on the functional outcomes achieved by
patients with Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine, which is relevant for occupational
therapists (OTs) to set diagnosis-specific outcomes. The aim of the study was
to determine the self-care and functional mobility outcomes achieved by TB
spine patients, in KwaZulu Natal, and the factors impacting on these
outcomes.
A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used and sampling
included all TB spine patients accessing the hospitals included in the study.
Data collection occurred over a nine month period. The outcome measures
used included: a demographic and medical questionnaire, the American
Spinal Injury Association classification scale, and the self-care and mobility
sections within the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III