Understanding the factors that influence social and community participation as perceived by people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Introduction The number of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury is rising in developed countries such as Australia and Great Britain. People with non-traumatic spinal cord have different gender, injury and age-related profiles compared to those with traumatically acquired spinal cord injury; therefore, their lived experience is likely to be different. However, the specific issues and challenges that this group faces have not been well investigated. Method Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 adults with non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The factors that influenced the social and community participation of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury were grouped into three broad areas: person factors, factors in the physical and institutional environment, and factors in the social or cultural environment. Conclusion The findings from this study inform the understanding of occupational therapists regarding the social and community participation of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury and how this can be facilitated. Assisting people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury to participate in meaningful social and community-based activities is important to maximise their quality of life.