Clinical and socio-demographic determinants of community reintegration in people with spinal cord injury in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province

Abstract

Background: Community reintegration is a major outcome of rehabilitation after the acute phase in people with spinal cord injury (PWSCI).Objective: To investigated clinical and socio-demographic factors determining community participation in PWSCI, living in the greater eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province.Method: Our quantitative, cross-sectional study had a convenient sample of 41 PWSCI. A trained interviewer obtained socio-demographic information using a structured questionnaire. Participants completed the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI). Descriptive statistics were used in summarising the data; inferential statistics, -a t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed the association of clinical and socio-demographic factors with the extent of community reintegration. A multiple linear regression investigated the determinants of community reintegration with the alpha level set at p = 0.05.Results: Mean age of the participants was 41 years (s.d.: 10, range 25–66), with the majority (n = 32, 78%) being male. The mean RNLI score was 68% (s.d.: 22, range 24–100). Participants scored higher on the RNLI if they were male (mean difference [MD] 18%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2–34), were employed (MD 16%, 95% CI: 0–32), had a salary (MD 19%, 95% CI: 5–32) and had no muscle spasms (MD 14%, 95% CI: 1–27. Muscle spasms (p = 0.012, 95% CI: 3.85–29.05) and being female PWSCI (p = 0.010, 95% CI: −35.75 to −5.18) were significant negative predictors of community reintegration.Conclusion: Community reintegration may be influenced by socio-economic factors. Special interventions for muscle spasms and support for women living with spinal cord injuries may enhance community reintegration.Clinical implication: Therapists need to focus on community reintegration with female PWSCI and on returning to PWSCI to work as this was improved community reintegration.

Psychosocial reintegration post-traumatic spinal cord injury in Rwanda: An exploratory study

“…Gender was seen to significantly influence community reintegration with males more being better prepared to resume normal roles and responsibilities in the community compared to females. Similar results were reported by Forchheimer et al ( 2004 ), and Buys et al ( 2022 ) in which women experienced more environmental barriers; hence, poor community reintegration. This gender skewness in community reintegration in the African context might be because of unemployment among women with TSCI but also unmet community needs of women.…”

Registered nurses’ experiences regarding operational factors influencing the implementation of HIV care services in the mobile health clinics of eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal

“…Each MHC team have between 5 to 20 MHC points they operateAccording to Statistics South Africa (Stat SA), eThekwini municipality was found to be home to 3,199,000 people as of mid-year of 2022, which is seen as an increase of 0.72% from the previous year [ 27 ]. Widely spoken language is isiZulu followed by English and the rest of other 11 official languages [ 28 ].…”

Interventional Programs for Community Reintegration after Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

“…Community reintegration broadly comprises the ability to participate in community life, including access to adequate housing, the ability to navigate the community, participation in work, education, and recreational activities of choice, and engagement in satisfying social relationships and social roles 13 . Community reintegration is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation for people with SCI 14 . Rehabilitation interventions to facilitate community reintegration are critical in promoting social participation and overall well-being for people with chronic conditions such as SCI 10 .…”