HISTORY AND STATISTICAL DATA
The organisation of the Slovene paraplegics was founded on 16 April 1969, named the Section of Paraplegics and Quadriplegics of Slovenia. Due to the increasing needs and the development of programmes, demands for reorganisation were soon heard, so on 20 November 1973 the Society of Paraplegics of Slovenia was formed. Only six years later, on 20 November 1979, the Society grew into the Association of Paraplegics of Slovenia with nine regional branches, which was the result of outstanding activity and the wish to be organized in accordance with the Slovene regions. The same system in the way of organizing is relevant today.
At the moment the membership numbers 856 members, while during the period of our organisation 419 members have died. Every year approximately 50 new members are affiliated, and approximately 25 members die. The membership consists of two thirds of paraplegics and one third of quadriplegics. Men and women are in the same proportion.
The average age of the members is 46 years. The most frequent reason for invalidity - paraplegia (paralysis of the lower half of the body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are: road and flying accidents, falls from a height (trees, buildings, parachute), dives, spinal surgery. Death is most frequently caused by urinary tract disease, infections, a decubitus ulcer.
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