Factors That Influence Employment After Spinal Cord Injury in South Korea

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2014 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2014.38.1.38 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examined the employment status of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in South Korea, noting a significant decrease in employment rates post-injury. The research identified several factors influencing employment, including gender, age at the time of injury, time since injury, type of injury (complete vs. incomplete tetraplegia), and whether the injury was due to an industrial accident. The study highlights the need for individualized vocational rehabilitation and employment support systems to improve employment rates among individuals with SCI, especially for those with lower employment rates.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

334 community-dwelling persons

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Men with SCI had a higher probability of employment than women.
2
Individuals injured at an older age (over 45 years) had a higher likelihood of employment compared to those injured between 31 and 45 years.
3
Individuals with incomplete tetraplegia were more likely to be employed than those with complete paraplegia.

Research Summary

This study investigated employment status after SCI in South Korea and found a significant decrease in employment rates post-injury. Several factors were identified as influencing employment outcomes. Key predictors of employment included gender, age at injury, time since injury, type of injury (complete vs. incomplete tetraplegia), and whether the injury was caused by an industrial accident. Injury characteristics appeared to be the most important predictors of employment. The study concludes that individualized vocational rehabilitation and employment-support systems are needed, particularly for disadvantaged populations, to improve employment rates among individuals with SCI in South Korea.

Practical Implications

Vocational Rehabilitation

Individualized vocational rehabilitation programs are needed to address the specific needs of people with SCI, especially those in the initial phase of injury or who are middle-aged.

Employment Support Systems

Specialized job placement assistance and other employment-support systems are crucial for improving labor-force participation among individuals with SCI.

Policy and Social Support

Guaranteeing opportunities for occupational achievement and providing a robust social support system for reintegration into the workforce are essential for individuals with SCI, regardless of their personal, family, and injury characteristics.

Study Limitations

1
The participants were members of KSCIA, which may introduce selection bias and limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
Personality characteristics, social support, and employment-assistance programs were not explored in this research.
3
The study focused only on the employment rate and did not investigate the nature of post-injury employment, such as job changes or work retention.

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