Mental health, stress, and metabolomics in individuals with physical disabilities: the impact of a caretaker and spasticity
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Date
2024
Authors
Petruska, Chase A.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience
Abstract
Individuals who are limited to a wheelchair because of a physical disability (PDis) face unique daily stressors in their lives. It is not well understood how a PDis impacts an individual's stress vulnerability and mental/ metabolic health, as well as the social repercussions it may create. This thesis investigated (1) how living with a caretaker impacts stress vulnerability, mental health, perceived social support and metabolism of those with a PDis relative to individuals who have no access to a caretaker and (2) how spastic cerebral palsy differs from non-spastic PDis regarding stress vulnerability, mental health, and if metabolic changes reflect the psychological wellbeing. The analysis of questionnaire data and urine samples has been used to quantify and conceptualize the unique mental and biological differences within the PDis population. Through the comparison of questionnaire scores, it was determined if stress vulnerability, mental health, and perceived social support differ between the groups. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra analysis identified specific metabolites, and then statistical inference techniques were used to identify potential biochemical pathway alterations. These metabolites were also correlated with specific questionnaire scores, showing unique correlations within each group. Through the questionnaire and metabolomic analyses, a better understanding of the quality of life among individuals living with a PDis population can guide future strategies. This could be directed towards effective treatments or interventions that could be used to ensure that those who live with PDis are getting the proper support, are becoming less vulnerable, and receiving the best possible health care to live better lives where their mental and biological differences are being understood and accounted for.
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Keywords
mental health , physical disability , metabolomics , stress , caretaker , caregiver , cerebral palsy , spinal muscular atrophy , arthrogryposis , depression , anxiety , stroke , spinal cord injury , biomarker , wheelchair , COVID-19