INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that significantly impacts physical health and community reintegration. Despite the global prevalence of SCI, wheelchair users often face barriers to reintegration, particularly in low-resource settings like Rwanda. This study explored the perceptions of wheelchair users with SCI regarding community reintegration, focusing on facilitators and barriers.
METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, with nine participants recruited via purposeful sampling from two Rwandan healthcare facilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Kinyarwanda, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke’s framework to identify key themes.
RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: (1) Family and societal attitudes, including negative stigma and diminished social support; (2) Environmental accessibility, with challenges such as inaccessible pathways, bathrooms, and public transportation; (3) Activity limitations, particularly in daily living tasks and wheelchair mobility; and (4) Participation restrictions, such as reduced involvement in communal and religious activities. Participants reported dependence on caregivers, social isolation, and environmental barriers as major hindrances to reintegration.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights multifaceted challenges faced by wheelchair users with SCI in Rwanda, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions. Recommendations include pre- and post-discharge education, community awareness campaigns, home assessments for accessibility modifications, and policy changes to improve infrastructure. Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing community reintegration and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
