Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description.

Abstract

To explore the meaning of community reintegration and strategies for promoting community reintegration based on the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria. Using a qualitative description, we purposively recruited people with spinal cord injury residing in Kano, Nigeria. Eight focus groups were conducted to gather relevant information about the meaning and strategies for community reintegration, based on the lived experiences of the participants. A total of 64 people aged 18-60 years completed the study. Most of the participants had lived with spinal cord injury for more than five years. The individuals perceived community reintegration as a multi-dimensional concept reflected by five major themes namely: living life as usual, gainful engagement, a basket of opportunities, courage and support, and acceptance of destiny. Furthermore, the participants considered education and awareness about spinal cord injury, supportive and enabling environment, equal opportunities, care and moral support, and accessible health and rehabilitation services as critical for promoting community reintegration. Community reintegration is a multidimensional process, and its promotion in northwest Nigeria requires a multisectoral approach.