Factors associated with independence in activities at hospital discharge, 3 and 6 months after injury in humanitarian settings: A multicenter, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In humanitarian settings, resuming daily activities after injury is a pivotal aspect of recovery, though under-reported. This study aimed to describe recovery of functioning and identify factors associated with independence in activities up to 6 months after injury in 4 humanitarian settings.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients older than 5 years, admitted for acute injury to 4 health facilities managed or supported by Médecins Sans Frontières, located in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Burundi, and Haiti. Aspects of functioning, including independence in activities, using the Activity Independence Measure–Trauma, were assessed at hospital admission and discharge, and at 3 and 6 months after injury. Multivariable logistic regression models were run at discharge, and 3 and 6 months after injury to identify factors associated with independence in activities.

RESULTS

Between June 2020 and January 2022, 554 patients were included, with follow-up data available for 477 and 486 patients at 3 and 6 months, respectively. At 6 months, 257 patients were independent from human and material assistance. Factors associated with independence at several of the time points included being a child, having visceral injury, not having any fracture, having a higher independence at the previous time point, and/or having received early physiotherapy, when adjusted for covariates (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of patients continued to experience difficulties in functioning at 6 months, emphasizing the necessity for trauma care beyond lifesaving procedures. Early physiotherapy was significantly associated with recovery of independence, indicating its potential to enhance recovery after injury in humanitarian settings.