An examination of objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation among persons with spinal cord injury/dysfunction: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Purpose: To describe objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation post-spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), and to examine associations among social disconnectedness and social isolation by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to 170 community dwelling individuals with a SCI/D. Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size, composition, and frequency of contact. Social isolation was measured using the revised three item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results: Of the 170 participants, the majority were men (n = 136, 80%), had a traumatic injury (n = 149, 87.6%), and had incomplete tetraplegia (n = 58, 34%). The mean network size was 3.86 (SD = 2.0) of a maximum seven. The mean loneliness score for the sample was 4.93 (SD = 1.87). Factors associated with lower feelings of loneliness included being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed. Size of networks was not significantly associated with feelings of loneliness. Conclusions: This study highlights the vulnerability for perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D. The size of network does not seem to matter as much as the frequency and quality of social interactions. Findings reinforce the complexity of social disconnectedness and the importance in understanding the various indicators of social disconnectedness as they relate to social isolation.

Automated summary

The study highlights the vulnerability to perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D, with factors such as being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed associated with lower feelings of loneliness. The frequency and quality of social interactions appear to be more important than the size of social networks in reducing feelings of loneliness.