RESULTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPINAL CORD INJURY COMMUNITY SURVEY: THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF PEOPLE WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY IN SOUTH-EASTERN BRAZIL

J Rehabil Med, 2022 · DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v54.2157 · Published: October 18, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

The number of cases of spinal cord injury in Brazil is increasing. It is important to know more about how individuals are living with this condition. A questionnaire with 125 questions was applied to individuals diagnosed with spinal cord injury Participants were recruited by survey team from 2 rehabilitation centres (both in south-eastern Brazil) that treat persons diagnosed with SCI. Although people with spinal cord injury reported having a good quality of life, they still encounter disabling environmental barriers that make their life more difficult.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

201 individuals diagnosed with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional, observational study

Key Findings

1
Most people with spinal cord injury in south-eastern Brazil are male and paraplegic, health problems and spasticity is considered their most problematic health condition.
2
Although they report having a good quality of life, they still encounter disabling environmental barriers that make their life more difficult, such as poor accessibility of public spaces, and only a small proportion (10%) returned to work after their injury.
3
Spasticity was the most frequently reported health condition, followed by neuropathic pain.

Research Summary

This study provides an evidence base regarding the lived experience of persons with SCI in south-eastern Brazil. The results suggest that there is a need for interventions and public policies designed to improve overall accessibility and social participation. This study was effective in creating a sound evidence base about the lived experience of persons with SCI in south-eastern Brazil.

Practical Implications

Inform Public Policy

The data can inform the development of new policies and practices to support people with SCI.

Improve Rehabilitation

The findings can provide evidence for rehabilitation professionals treating persons with SCI.

Address Environmental Barriers

Highlighting the environmental barriers faced by individuals with SCI can lead to targeted interventions to improve accessibility.

Study Limitations

1
The study population is restricted to participants from 2 well-resourced settings in south-eastern Brazil, which are not representative of the whole population.
2
Some participants found it difficult to assess and express their perceptions of health, quality of life and disability, and to respond to survey questions.
3
There are no questions specific to rehabilitation treatment of survey participants, which plays a decisive role in the health and participation in society of persons with SCI.

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