The impact of impairment, socio-demographic and environmental factors on spinal cord injury survivors' ability to return to work

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Re-employment of spinal cord injury survivors (SCIS) has been positively related to better community integration. The identification of the determining factors and their impact on return to work (RTW) of SCIS would be helpful in improving the RTW rate. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to identify the factors determining RTW and explore their impact on RTW. METHODS : An adapted Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire Self-Report questionnaire was used to elicit sociodemographic information and work-related characteristics of the participants. Sixty-eight participants with a premorbid worker status completed the questionnaires which were sent via mail, email and hand delivery. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS : At the time of the survey 70.6% of the participants were not re-employed. The inferential statistical analysis indicated that time since injury and re-employment, receiving medical attention due to complications, vocational intervention, supervisor’s support, family support and government support were significant factors of RTW. The results showed no significant differences in RTW by most of the sociodemographic factors. Only two percent of the participants indicated vocational planning and intentions. CONCLUSION : The significant impact of vocational and injury characteristics suggests that vocational rehabilitation services are urgently needed to support SCIS in returning to their worker role. Returning to work is a significant outcome of SCI rehabilitation.