https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4744-5520
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Abstract
Purpose
To advance the understanding of perceived social isolation among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), the objectives of the present study were to explore: (1) experiences of perceived social isolation and (2) factors that contribute to perceived social isolation.
Methods
Interpretive description qualitative methodology was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals with SCI from across Ontario (Canada) from November 2016 to August 2017. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
Participants identified disruption to social networks that seemed to impact perceived social isolation. Five major themes were identified: (1) impact on structure and frequency of social network; (2) importance of feeling heard; (3) importance of employment, hobbies, and sports; (4) need to improve physical accessibility and built environment; and (5) individual characteristics. Changes in quality of social networks, rather than size, contributed to greater feelings of perceived social isolation. The built environment, maintenance of employment, hobbies, and sports, social media, and technology use, as well as individual traits, were also found to impact perceived social isolation.
Conclusion
Future research should focus on the development of programs to help maintain or improve social network quality for persons with SCI to minimize the impact of perceived social isolation.
Perceived social isolation, resulting from physical and environmental barriers, is a challenge that is faced by many individuals who are living in the community with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Rehabilitation and community programs should utilize an individualized approach to find solutions to challenges faced by this population to prevent the effects of perceived social isolation.
Education on how to adapt to changes in social network, together with the provision of access to peer-to-peer support groups, and SCI specific return to work or leisure programs, is recommended as an essential component of rehabilitation.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Shawna Cappe for her assistance with data collection.
Disclosure statement
As the Principal Investigator on this project, Dr. Hitzig received salary support from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Dr. Guilcher is supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Embedded Clinician Scientist Salary Award on Transitions in Care working with Ontario Health (Quality). Dr. Craven is supported by the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute/the University of Toronto, Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. The opinions, results, and conclusions reported herein are those of the authors and are independent from the funding sources.