Modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with employment outcomes following spinal cord injury: A systematic review

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2015 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772315Y.0000000031 · Published: July 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This review looked at what helps or hurts people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) when they seek employment. It examined both things that can be changed (modifiable) and things that cannot (non-modifiable). The factors that can be changed, like education and job training, could be targets for helping people with SCI find work. The factors that cannot be changed, like age or severity of injury, can help identify who might need extra support. By understanding these factors, programs can be designed to give the right support to people with SCI, helping them find and keep jobs. This can improve their personal lives and benefit society.

Study Duration

1952–2014

Participants

12 to 20,143 participants

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Education, vocational rehabilitation, functional independence, social support, and financial disincentives were modifiable factors consistently associated with employment outcomes.
2
Non-modifiable factors like age, sex, race/ethnicity, and severity of injury also significantly impact employment prospects after SCI.
3
Financial disincentives, such as welfare subsidies, are often associated with decreased odds of employment for individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This systematic review examined factors associated with employment outcomes in individuals with SCI, categorizing them by modifiability and using the ICF framework. The review identified key modifiable factors like education, vocational rehabilitation, and social support, and non-modifiable factors such as age, sex and injury severity that influence employment. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to improve employment opportunities for individuals with SCI, focusing on modifiable factors and addressing financial disincentives.

Practical Implications

Inform Policy Decisions

Policymakers can use the findings to re-evaluate financial benefit policies, ensuring they do not discourage individuals with SCI from seeking employment.

Guide Rehabilitation Practices

Rehabilitation professionals can focus on enhancing functional independence, wheelchair skills, and access to transportation to improve employment prospects.

Empower Individuals with SCI

Individuals with SCI can leverage the information to prioritize education and vocational training, tailoring their efforts to maximize employment opportunities.

Study Limitations

1
Exclusion of non-English publications
2
Restriction to studies using regression analysis and specific effect measures
3
Potential overlap of participants from the US-based National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC)

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