Modifiable Sociostructural and Environmental Factors That Impact the Health and Quality of Life of People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00056 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Accessibility

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the factors that can be changed to improve the health and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries living in the community. The review identified several modifiable factors, which include social attitudes, access to healthcare and information, funding and policies, and environmental aspects like accessible buildings and transportation. Understanding how these factors are connected can help in creating better programs and policies to support people with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Community-dwelling people with traumatic or nontraumatic SCI over the age of 18 years without cognitive impairment

Evidence Level

Scoping Review

Key Findings

1
The study identified ten modifiable factors influencing the health and QOL of community-dwelling people with SCI, categorized into sociostructural and environmental factors.
2
Sociostructural factors include social attitudes, health care access, information access, and funding and policies.
3
Environmental factors encompass the built environment, housing, transportation, assistive technology, and the natural environment.

Research Summary

This scoping review identifies sociostructural (e.g., social attitudes, health care access, information access, and funding and policies) and environmental (e.g., built environment, housing, transportation, AT, and natural environment) modifiable factors that impact the health and QOL of community-dwelling people with SCI The performance of the health care system is found to contribute to QOL; however, the current system is situated within a biomedical model that does not align with the care and support needs of people with SCI. Modifying the factors that create disabling situations, in a manner that fosters health and QOL, will counteract biomedical notions of disability, aid in the creation of inclusive environments, and allow for equitable societal participation of people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Healthcare Access

Specialized training for healthcare providers, flexible scheduling, and alternative delivery methods (e.g., online) can enhance healthcare access.

Reduce Social Stigma

Public awareness campaigns and legislative changes can help reduce stigma and negative social attitudes toward people with SCI.

Address Built Environment Barriers

Municipal policies that address poor neighborhood infrastructure and the adoption of universal design principles can facilitate better community access.

Modifiable Sociostructural and Environmental Factors That Impact the Health and Quality of Life of People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Healthcare Access

Reduce Social Stigma

Address Built Environment Barriers

Study Limitations

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Modifiable Sociostructural and Environmental Factors That Impact the Health and Quality of Life of People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Healthcare Access

Reduce Social Stigma

Address Built Environment Barriers

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?