Quality of life of persons with complete traumatic spinal cord injuries in Gaborone and surrounding areas: a qualitative enquiry

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: for persons surviving traumatic spinal cord injury, community reintegration is a multi-faceted challenge. While researchers here and there have explored the daily struggles and the lived experiences of discharged patients in different environments, more insights were needed in the given context.The purpose of this study was to describe the individual experiences and quality of life of persons with traumatic spinal cord injury, after discharge from centre-based rehabilitation and returning to their homes in and around Gaborone, Botswana.The objectives were to explore (1) the persons' individual experiences since returning home; (2) barriers and facilitators to participation in their homes and communities and (3) the persons' individual coping strategiesMethod: A qualitative, phenomenological study design was applied. A pilot study was implemented to resolve practical and logistical challenges. Data were collected through home-based interviews and observations with a convenience sample of four participants, after discharge from the national rehabilitation centre following traumatic spinal cord injury. Thematic content analysis was applied to the transcriptions of the participants' responses; these were coded, grouped into categories and then into themes.Findings: Six main themes covered: the impact of the spinal cord injury; access barriers; diverse experiences of government recognition and support; financial and insurance issues; family support and community responses; and individual coping strategies.Conclusion: In the given context, there is a need for more, and deeper, direct engagement with, and decisive responses to, the needs and contributions of persons with spinal cord injury who have been discharged and who are endeavouring to re-integrate into their homes and communities. Implications and practical recommendations were identified for specific stakeholder groups.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University