Association between sociodemographic and injury factors in community reintegration following spinal cord injury: An analysis of two datasets

Abstract

Background: Community reintegration after spinal cord injury (SCI) is influenced by personal and injury-related factors. However, data from two South African studies examining these associations have not been jointly analysed.
Objectives: Our study aimed to examine the association between sociodemographic and injury-related factors and community reintegration among people with spinal cord injury (PWSCI).
Method: Secondary data analysis was conducted using two cross-sectional South African datasets comprising 182 PWSCI. The datasets met the predefined homogeneity criteria and were analysed separately and as a pooled dataset. Community reintegration was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics, while Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to examine associations between explanatory variables and community reintegration outcomes.
Results: In the pooled analysis, better community reintegration was significantly associated with younger age (< 55 years), female sex and employment (p < 0.05). Participants with thoracic and lumbar injuries showed higher levels of reintegration than those with cervical injuries although this association was not statistically significant. Injury severity and aetiology were not significantly associated with community reintegration.
Conclusion: Younger age, female sex and favourable social circumstances, particularly employment, are associated with better community reintegration among PWSCI. These findings highlight the importance of considering the sociodemographic context and injury characteristics when planning rehabilitation and community-based support interventions.
Clinical implications: Early identification of older and unemployed PWSCI may help clinicians target individuals at a higher risk of poor community reintegration and guide tailored rehabilitation strategies.