Environmental factors and their role in participation and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

JA

Accession No.:

J46774.

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2004 , 85, 11, 1793-1803

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study identified environmental factors perceived as barriers in the daily lives of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and examined the relative impact of environmental barriers compared with personal characteristics, impairment, and activity limitations on societal participation and life satisfaction. In a survey of more than 2,700 people with SCI, about 20 percent said none of the 12 environmental factors they were asked about were barriers to them. The top 5 barriers reported, in descending order, were the natural environment, transportation, help at home, health care, and government policies. These barriers appear to be more related to physical impairments, activity limitations, and life satisfaction than to societal participation.

Author(s):

Whiteneck, Gale, Meade, Michelle A., Dijkers, Marcel, Tate, Denise G., Bushnik, Tamara, Forchheimer, Martin B.

Participating Centers: