Barriers to Community Reintegration for People with Spinal Cord Injury in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study

The incidence of spinal cord injury varies significantly across different countries, with certain regions in Africa reporting higher rates compared to other parts of the world. Spinal cord injury is a chronic condition that leads to various impairments and limitations in activity participation during community reintegration. The study aimed to explore the barriers to community reintegration for people with SCI living in Rwanda.

A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Fifteen individuals, were purposively selected for diversity and interviewed telephonically. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, saturation occurred at the twelfth participant. Data were thematically analysed.

Four themes and Nine corresponding sub-themes emerged; psychosocial challenges (emotional distress and suicidal thoughts, loneliness and social marginalization), physical health issues (chronic pain and secondary, health complications), economic barriers (expensive medical services, costly daily living, and high transportation costs), and environmental barriers and accessibility challenges (physical environment and built accessibility environment barriers).

This study explored the barriers, psychosocial, physical, economic, and environmental, faced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Rwanda during community reintegration. It highlights the importance of collaborative action from individuals, government bodies, and NGOs to improve access to rehabilitation, foster inclusion, and offer critical insights to guide future policies and advocacy for people with SCI.