Travel and Social Isolation of People With Spinal Cord Injury

Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: 10.46292/sci23-00029 · Published: October 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Social Support Public Health

Simple Explanation

People with spinal cord injuries often experience social isolation due to physical limitations and other barriers. This isolation can lead to loneliness and mental health issues. Leisure travel, which involves interacting with others, may help reduce this social isolation. This study found that people with SCI who travel are less likely to be socially isolated than those who do not travel.

Study Duration

2016-2021

Participants

11,091 cases from the SCI Model Systems database

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Travel participation is negatively associated with social isolation among people with SCI.
2
People with SCI who traveled for one to two nights, three to four nights, or more than five nights in the past 12 months are less likely to be socially isolated compared to those who have not traveled.
3
Older individuals with SCI, those with lower family income, and those with depression symptoms are more likely to experience social isolation.

Research Summary

This study explores the association between travel participation and social isolation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that travel participation is negatively associated with social isolation, even after controlling for factors like age, income, and health issues. The findings suggest that encouraging travel among people with SCI could be a way to reduce social isolation and improve their well-being.

Practical Implications

Travel Training Programs

Therapists and rehabilitation professionals should design travel training programs to encourage patients with SCI to travel more often.

Policy and Tourism Considerations

Policy makers and tourism service providers should design travel programs for socially isolated individuals with SCI in order to make travel program more affordable and accessible to them.

Further Research

Future research can focus on examining the feasibility and potential strategies of travel programs designed to serve as an intervention to reduce social isolation among individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies.
2
The study did not assess the types of travel activities or destinations.
3
The use of cross-sectional data limits the ability to determine causal relationships.

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