Enhancing participation while aging with spinal cord injury: applying behaviour change frameworks to develop...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Knowledge translation
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) presents unique challenges to participation in daily activities and social roles.
• Existing interventions may not adequately address the evolving needs of this population.
• A structured approach is needed to identify and address participation barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and facilitators to participation for individuals aging with SCI using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW).
• To co-develop evidence-based, participation-focused intervention recommendations with SCI community organizations.
• To support enhanced community and social role participation for people aging with SCI.

Main Methods:

• A knowledge translation study employing semi-structured interviews with 22 participants (aged 45+, 10+ years post-SCI).
• Analysis of interview transcripts to identify barriers/facilitators, intervention functions, policy categories, and implementation options.
• Synthesis of findings into feasible intervention recommendations in partnership with SCI community organizations.

Main Results:

• Environmental context, resources, skills, and social influences were key TDF domains impacting participation.
• Six intervention functions and all BCW policy categories were deemed viable.
• Recommendations included educating SCI members, inter-organizational partnerships, and government advocacy.

Conclusions:

• Multiple intervention formats and delivery options are crucial for improving participation in daily activities and social roles for aging individuals with SCI.
• Translating these recommendations into practical behavior change interventions is a critical next step.