Resilience and quality of life after upper limb injuries: the role of age within the ICF biopsychosocial model

Abstract

Objective: To identify age-related differences in resilience and subjective quality of life among patients after upper limb injuries, in the context of personal factors within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Method: A cross-sectional study involved 22 patients from a specialized hand therapy center. The WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS) were used. For comparison across three age groups (“< 24 years“, “25–40 years“, “> 40 years“), the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied. Additionally, an analysis of individual items of the RS scale was conducted.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between age groups in the Psychological Health domain (p = 0.05). The highest subjective well-being in this area was recorded among patients aged 25–40 years. Trends toward age-related differences were observed in the Physical Health domain (increasing with age) and the Social Relationships domain (peaking in the middle-aged group). Analysis of RS scale items revealed that the most pronounced age differences concerned aspects related to self-reliance.

Conclusions: The results indicate a non-linear relationship between age and various aspects of adaptation. Young patients (< 24 years) demonstrate lower levels of psychological well-being and self-reliance. At the same time, the subjective assessment of physical health is higher among older patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering age-related and psychological factors for personalizing rehabilitation programs within the ICF model.