Uncovering the social determinants of brain injury rehabilitation

Social determinants of health (SDH), such as social isolation and loneliness, are often more frequently experienced in brain injury survivors. The paper explores the personal experiences of loneliness among brain injury survivors during lockdown to negate health inequalities and improve rehabilitation for this population in the future. Twenty-four brain injury survivors participated in semi-structured interviews and questionnaires relating to loneliness, resilience and wellbeing. Three themes (the experience of loneliness, loneliness during the pandemic and loneliness after the pandemic) explored survivors' experiences of loneliness generally post-brain injury, but also chronicle how these feelings developed in lockdown and survivors' feelings regarding society returning to 'normal'. Future interventions should focus on reframing survivors' beliefs regarding societal expectations and minimise the pressure they experience to keep up with their peers physically and emotionally. Additionally, we recommend creating accessible peer support options for all brain injury survivors as an important step for alleviating loneliness.

Automated summary

This study explores the experiences of loneliness among brain injury survivors during lockdown, aiming to address health inequalities and improve rehabilitation for this population in the future. It was found that brain injury survivors generally experience loneliness, especially during lockdown. Future interventions should focus on reframing survivors' beliefs regarding societal expectations and minimizing the pressure they experience to keep up with their peers physically and emotionally. Additionally, creating accessible peer support options for all brain injury survivors is recommended as an important step to alleviate loneliness.