POSTPOLIO SYNDROME IN NEW-ZEALAND - A SURVEY OF 700 POLIO SURVIVORS

Aims. To examine the experience of postpolio syndrome amongst a group of survivors of polio currently resident in New Zealand. Methods. A sa mple of 700 responded to a request for volunteers to take part in a po stal survey concerning their experience of polio and postpolio symptom s. Results. The mean age of respondents was 59 years. Two-thirds of th em were women. The year of polio infection was between 1915 and 1962 w ith the majority (54%) being in the 1945-56 period. Most were under 16 years of age (73%) at the time. Paralysis and weakness in limbs and b ack were the most common symptoms in the acute phase of the infection. Symptoms of the postpolio syndrome were reported by significant numbe rs. Increasing weakness in muscle functioning in one or more area was evident amongst 38% of the sample. Generalised muscle weakness was rep orted by 47%, increasing muscle wastage by 17%, difficulty swallowing by 16% and shortness of breath on waking by 10%. Pain in joints was re ported by 60% and excessive tiredness by 48% . After controlling for a ge there was little evidence that the symptoms increased with years si nce the acute polio infection. Conclusions. The experience of postpoli o symptoms was common amongst this group of polio survivors. It is est imated that there are between 3 000 and 5 000 polio survivors in New Z ealand who may be suffering postpolio symptoms. The implications of th is for primary and secondary health care provision are discussed.