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Public community knowledge regarding multidisciplinary rehabilitation of spinal cord injury in Lebanon: a
Nour El Hoda Saleh1,2,3, Linda Abou-Abbas4,5, Dalia Khachman6
1Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon. nourelhoda.saleh.1@ul.edu.lb.
Background:
Research on public community knowledge regarding spinal cord injury (SCI) and its rehabilitation within Lebanon is lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of public knowledge among the Lebanese population concerning SCI and its needed multidisciplinary rehabilitation. In addition, we sought to evaluate the factors associated with the knowledge level.
Methods:
An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 Lebanese persons aged 18 years and older. The survey included socio-demographic questions and knowledge levels regarding SCI and rehabilitation.
Results:
A total of 1200 participants from the Lebanese community participated in the study, with a mean age of 32.99 ± 11.51 years, and 63.91% were female. Only 63.08% of respondents had heard of SCI, and 39.50% claimed to understand it. Additionally, self-reported knowledge of rehabilitation was low, with 59.17% of participants unfamiliar with the required programs. The mean total knowledge score across all domains was 29.02 ± 14.54 out of 55, indicating an overall knowledge rate of 52.77%. Specific knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding the causes of SCI (57.33% had poor knowledge), associated complications (47.42%), differences between physical therapy and rehabilitation (34%), and available rehabilitation services (52.83%). However, participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of SCI rehabilitation goals (60.11%) and lifelong medical and physical care requirements (70.33%). This suggests a generally poor level of knowledge concerning SCI and its rehabilitation among the surveyed Lebanese community members. Factors such as education level (OR = 1.358 (1.047-1.760); p = 0.021), working in the healthcare field (OR = 4.787 (3.191-7.182); p < 0.0001), and previous consultation with rehabilitation specialists significantly influenced knowledge scores (OR = 2.518 (1.899-3.338); p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
This study highlights the lack of awareness regarding SCI and its essential rehabilitation among the Lebanese population. Significant gaps were identified in knowledge levels, particularly regarding the understanding of SCI complications and the need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Educational interventions and awareness campaigns are warranted to improve community support and enhance outcomes for individuals living with SCI in Lebanon.
