Environmental barriers and participation restrictions in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury in Jiangsu and Sichuan Provinces of China: Results from a cross-sectional survey

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1935094 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Accessibility Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the obstacles faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in China regarding their social participation. It looks at how environmental factors, such as inaccessible transportation or lack of resources, impact their ability to engage in community life. The research also explores whether the severity of the SCI influences the level of environmental barriers and participation restrictions experienced.

Study Duration

January to December 2018

Participants

1355 persons with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced a median of five environmental barriers and five participation restrictions.
2
Environmental barriers related to accessibility of public places had the greatest negative impact on participation.
3
The effect of severity of impairment on participation restrictions was partially mediated by environmental barriers.

Research Summary

This study aimed to describe the relationship among impairment, environmental barriers and participation restrictions in a community-dwelling population with SCI from two provinces in China. The survey respondents experienced a median of five environmental barriers and five participation restrictions. The effect of severity of impairment on participation restrictions was partially mediated by environmental barriers.

Practical Implications

Community-Oriented Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation services should consider people’s immediate environment and its effect on social participation.

Policy Implementation and Enforcement

The problem needs to be brought to the attention of policy makers in order to better implement and enforce existing laws on accessibility and equal opportunities to participation.

Addressing Key Issues

Key issues that need addressing are community accessibility, transportation, government support systems, and financial protection.

Study Limitations

1
The cross-sectional design makes it impossible to draw causal conclusions.
2
The contact rate in this study was low which reduced the gross response rate.
3
The study protocol further did not account for a distinction between urban and rural participants

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