Community reintegration of spinal cord-injured patients in rural south India

Abstract

Study design: Cross sectional follow-sup survey.

Objective: To ascertain the factors influencing community reintegration, of individuals with spinal cord injury living in rural environment, and to suggest measures to enhance community participation.

Setting: Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Methods: Thirty-five individuals who were admitted under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of St Johns Medical College Hospital and rehabilitated to their functional level based on their level of injury; individuals living in rural environment were included in the study. The study was conducted by means of a standardized questionnaire and environmental and home assessments carried out during follow-up home visits after 12 months of discharge from the hospital. The main outcome measures were Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART) and Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF). The home visits and assessments were carried out by a rehabilitation team, which consisted of community-based rehabilitation worker, medico-social worker, physiotherapist and occupational therapist, and headed by a physiatrist.

Results: The findings of the study indicate a general decline in community re integration in terms of physical independence, mobility, occupation and social integration. Mobility issues were the greatest perceived barrier and economic issues also significantly influenced the community participation.

Conclusion: Our study showed significant decline in community reintegration in subjects living in rural south India. Architectural and environmental barriers, poor socio-economic status and comorbidities significantly affected the level of community participation.