Environmental Barriers and Social Participation in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Rehabil Psychol, 2017 · DOI: 10.1037/rep0000117 · Published: February 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Accessibility Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines the relationship between environmental obstacles and how well people with spinal cord injuries participate in social activities. The study found that more environmental barriers are linked to reduced social participation and lower chances of being employed. Specifically, difficulties in obtaining assistance and services presented the most significant barrier to social participation for this population.

Study Duration

2000 through 2005

Participants

3,162 individuals with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study, secondary analysis

Key Findings

1
Increased environmental barriers are associated with decreased social participation.
2
A one-point increase in the CHIEF-SF total score was associated with a 0.82 point reduction in the CHART-SF total score.
3
Assistance barriers had the strongest negative association with social participation.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between environmental barriers and social participation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicated that environmental barriers are negatively associated with social participation and employment in the SCI population. The study highlights the importance of addressing assistance/service barriers to enhance social participation for people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Policy and Regulation Review

A close examination of current policy and regulation is needed, especially in identifying the weakness in addressing assistance and physical barrier.

Prioritize Assistance Barriers

Interventions focused on overcoming assistance barriers may help improve social participation.

Increase Accessibility

Increasing the accessibility of public accommodations by enforcing and reviewing current implementation and enforcement of legislation is very important.

Study Limitations

1
Possibility of information bias because of the strict selection criteria
2
Use of a self-report questionnaire
3
No causality could be made because no temporal relationship existed between the exposure to an environment and participation.

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