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 = 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean age of the participants was 41 years (s.d.: 10, range 25-66), with the majority ( = 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 ( = 0.012, 95% CI: 3.85-29.05) and being female PWSCI ( = 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.