Quality of life of individuals with intrathecal baclofen pump therapy

Background: This study was carried out to assess the quality of life (QOL) of adults with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February 2020 and April 2023 and included patients who have been on ITB therapy for more than 6 months and were following up in the clinic. Chart review data included demographics, diagnoses, medical comorbidities, baclofen dose, and ITB side effects. The poll uses the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life (WHOQOL-BREF) in Arabic. The Arabic version of the WHOQOL-BREF Scale was used in the survey. Results: The study included 33 eligible participants the majority of the participants were males (63.3%), with a mean age of 37.1 ± 14.5 years. Of the participants, 69.7% were single. Most diagnosis was spinal cord injury (52%). Contractures occurred in 30.3% and pressure injuries in 18.2. Most of the participants (84.8%) were satisfied with baclofen therapy. The duration of ITB therapy was 6–80 months (31.5 ± 18.4). The total sample mean score or perceived overall QOL was 3.2 ± 1.2, whereas the mean score for perceived overall health was 3.3 ± 1.3. The mean scores of the WHOQOL-BREF domains varied among the participants, with the highest being psychological (60.0 ± 20.6) and the lowest being physical (40.8 ± 18.6). The environmental domain mean score was significantly higher among the younger age group ( P = 0.03), whereas the mean overall health score was significantly associated with pressure injuries ( P = 0.009). The correlation of the current dose was only significant with the psychological domain ( r = 0.405; P = 0.019). Conclusions: QOL scores were not significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, pain, contractures, or adverse effects associated with ITB. The results show favorable outcomes in terms of QOL with ITB therapy.