Barriers and Facilitators during Community Reintegration of People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

J Caring Sci, 2024 · DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2024.31955 · Published: December 30, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in returning to their communities and identifies factors that help them overcome these obstacles. The research highlights environmental, cultural, psychological, and health-related barriers that hinder community reintegration, such as inaccessible infrastructure, societal stigma, emotional distress, and secondary health conditions. The study also identifies facilitators like family support, financial stability, religious practices, and leisure activities that can aid in overcoming these challenges and improve the well-being of individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

December 2021 to June 2022

Participants

71 SCI individuals

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Environmental barriers, including poor accessibility and inadequate healthcare services, significantly impede community reintegration for individuals with SCI.
2
Cultural barriers such as negligence, stigma, and negative attitudes from society members hinder the social acceptance and community participation of individuals with SCI.
3
Psychological barriers like depression, anxiety, and lack of hope, stemming from the life-altering impact of SCI, further complicate the reintegration process.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators during community reintegration of 71 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in India, using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. The study identified four major themes of barriers: environmental, cultural, psychological, and health-related, along with facilitators such as family support, financial stability, religious practices, friends, and leisure activities. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of SCI individuals through comprehensive health support and strengthened patient-provider interaction to promote self-efficacy, self-esteem, and mental well-being, facilitating better community integration.

Practical Implications

Improve Accessibility

Create accessible infrastructure, including ramps, lifts, and accessible transportation, to facilitate community participation for individuals with SCI.

Address Societal Attitudes

Implement awareness programs to combat stigma and promote positive attitudes towards individuals with SCI, fostering social inclusion.

Provide Comprehensive Support

Offer comprehensive healthcare, psychological support, and vocational training to address the diverse needs of individuals with SCI and enhance their quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The study sample was limited to individuals who had been admitted to or had visited a specific rehabilitation center in India.
2
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias or social desirability bias.
3
The qualitative nature of the study limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations or settings.

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