Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description

Kaka, Bashir, Sulaiman, Surajo Kamilu ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3927-8627, Mohammad, Ashiru Hamza, Bello, Bashir, Abba, Muhammad Aliyu, Bello, Umar Muhammad, Salihu, Dauda, Chutiyami, Muhammad, Zandam, Hussaini and Fatoye, Francis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3502-3953 (2024) Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description. Disability and Rehabilitation. ISSN 1464-5165

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Abstract

Purpose To explore the meaning of community reintegration and strategies for promoting community reintegration based on the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria. Material and Methods Using a qualitative description, we purposively recruited people with spinal cord injury residing in Kano, Nigeria. Eight focus groups were conducted to gather relevant information about the meaning and strategies for community reintegration, based on the lived experiences of the participants. Results A total of 64 people aged 18-60 years completed the study. Most of the participants had lived with spinal cord injury for more than five years. The individuals perceived community reintegration as a multi-dimensional concept reflected by five major themes namely: living life as usual, gainful engagement, a basket of opportunities, courage and support, and acceptance of destiny. Furthermore, the participants considered education and awareness about spinal cord injury, supportive and enabling environment, equal opportunities, care and moral support, and accessible health and rehabilitation services as critical for promoting community reintegration. Conclusion Community reintegration is a multidimensional process, and its promotion in northwest Nigeria requires a multisectoral approach. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION People with spinal cord injury experience challenges when returning to their host communities following hospital-based rehabilitation, especially in low and middle-income countries. Promotion of community reintegration among people with spinal cord injury in low and middle-income settings requires intervention at the level of the individual, community, and the government. Accessibility to the physical environment and equal employment opportunities are paramount to successful community reintegration in low and middle-income countries. Future studies should consider assessing the coping strategies of individuals with spinal cord injury and their families in low and middle-income countries.