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 sample of 700 responded to a request for volunteers to take part in a postal survey concerning their experience of polio and postpolio symptoms.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 59 years. Two-thirds of them were women. The year of polio infection was between 1915 and 1962 with 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 back were the most common symptoms in the acute phase of the infection. Symptoms of the postpolio syndrome were reported by significant numbers. Increasing weakness in muscle functioning in one or more area was evident amongst 38% of the sample. Generalised muscle weakness was reported by 47%, increasing muscle wastage by 17%, difficulty swallowing by 16% and shortness of breath on waking by 10%. Pain in joints was reported by 60% and excessive tiredness by 48%. After controlling for age there was little evidence that the symptoms increased with years since the acute polio infection.

Conclusions: The experience of postpolio symptoms was common amongst this group of polio survivors. It is estimated that there are between 3,000 and 5,000 polio survivors in New Zealand who may be suffering postpolio symptoms. The implications of this for primary and secondary health care provision are discussed.