Volume 8, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated 2025)
Func Disabil J 2025, 8(1): 0-0 |
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Obaigwa E O, Govender P. Rehabilitation of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries in Kenya: Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on Community (Re)Integration. Func Disabil J 2025; 8 (1)
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-321-en.html
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-321-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
2- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. ,naidoopg@ukzn.ac.za
2- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. ,
Abstract: (1 Views)
Background and Objectives: Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience diminished physical capacity and face lifelong challenges that influence their ability to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) are responsible for helping individuals return to the community and successfully engage in meaningful occupations, which can be challenging. This study aimed to investigate OTs’ experiences in attempts at community (re)integration (CR) of individuals with SCIs.
Methods: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews. A total of 14 OTs were recruited through purposive sampling. Two FGDs were conducted with six OTs, and two individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Then, verbatim transcription was used to transcribe the discussions, and QSR NVivo software, version 10 was employed to organize and analyze the data. Eventually, content analysis was utilized to identify key ideas and concepts.
Results: The findings revealed three superordinate themes: (i) a typical day in SCI rehabilitation, (ii) challenges faced in working with individuals with SCIs, and (iii) enhancement of the CR of individuals with SCIs. Participants identified multiple barriers, including inadequate training, limited resources, poor insurance coverage, societal attitudes, and a lack of specialized facilities.
Conclusion: This study provided strong indications that managing individuals with SCIs requires the collaborative efforts of training institutions, local and national governments, professional bodies, and individual OTs to enable holistic approaches to facilitate successful CR of this group.
Methods: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews. A total of 14 OTs were recruited through purposive sampling. Two FGDs were conducted with six OTs, and two individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Then, verbatim transcription was used to transcribe the discussions, and QSR NVivo software, version 10 was employed to organize and analyze the data. Eventually, content analysis was utilized to identify key ideas and concepts.
Results: The findings revealed three superordinate themes: (i) a typical day in SCI rehabilitation, (ii) challenges faced in working with individuals with SCIs, and (iii) enhancement of the CR of individuals with SCIs. Participants identified multiple barriers, including inadequate training, limited resources, poor insurance coverage, societal attitudes, and a lack of specialized facilities.
Conclusion: This study provided strong indications that managing individuals with SCIs requires the collaborative efforts of training institutions, local and national governments, professional bodies, and individual OTs to enable holistic approaches to facilitate successful CR of this group.
Keywords: Spinal cord injuries (SCI), Occupational therapist, Service delivery, Community integration, Rehabilitation
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Occupational Therapy
Received: 2025/06/5 | Accepted: 2025/09/16 | Published: 2025/03/2
Received: 2025/06/5 | Accepted: 2025/09/16 | Published: 2025/03/2
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All the work in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons
ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-SHAREALIKE 4.0
INTERNATIONAL International License.