Mental Health After Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from Focus Groups with People with SCI

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) affects social roles and community integration of people with SCI across the lifespan. In combination with environmental and attitudinal barriers to equitable outcomes, these challenges can have an adverse effect on mental health. Unfortunately, there are limited resources tailored to support the mental health needs of people with SCI. This study seeks to identify the informational needs related to mental health of people with SCI. <h3>Design</h3> We conducted three focus groups with people with SCI regarding experiences and opinions on mental health needs following SCI. We used a deductive approach to analyze themes from focus groups. Pairs of coders independently coded each transcript, and a third coder reconciled disagreements. <h3>Setting</h3> People with SCI living in the community. <h3>Participants</h3> The focus group sample was 16 people with SCI, 10 females, 6 males. The average age of participants was 50 years (range: 24-79yrs). Participants came from eight states, primarily in the Midwest. The majority of participants sustained paraplegia (69%), and 50% of the sample lived with SCI for more than 5 years. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Experiences of mental health conditions and symptoms described by people with SCI in the focus groups. <h3>Results</h3> A number of mental health disorders and challenges were mentioned by participants: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorders, pain, loneliness/social isolation, guilt, anger/frustration, and denial. Participants also frequently described their identity and how their sense of self changed. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Results from this study can inform education and training of rehabilitation professionals to improve mental health outcomes and access to supports for people with SCI. Resources from this work are also expected to promote greater participation in community life. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have no conflicts to disclose.