Community participation after spinal cord injury

Objectives: To describe participation among a community-based sample of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore the relationship between participation and life satisfaction. Design: Survey. Setting: Community. Participants: A sample of 357 people (response rate, 44%) with SCI recruited through the British Columbia Paraplegic Association. The mean age +/- standard deviation was 46.0 +/- 14.7 years, mean time since SCI was 13.0 +/- 11.0 years, and 68% of the respondents were men. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Descriptive survey data on community participation specifically related to social involvement, physical activity and relationship with others, transportation, and community access. Life satisfaction and happiness assessed using the Satisfaction With Life Scale and Happiness Scale. Results: No limitations to participation were experienced by 18.5% of the respondents. Satisfaction with transportation was associated with owning one's own vehicle (P <.001). There was overall satisfaction with access to community buildings (mean score range, 6.9-8.5; where 10 is most satisfied). Being physically active was important to a majority and 75% were currently engaged in physical activity. Those living alone were less satisfied (mean, 7.3 +/- 2.7; where 10 is most satisfied) with the support they received than those living with others (8.5 +/- 1.7). Respondents were generally happy (5.0 +/- 1.4) and satisfied with life (18.6 +/- 7.6). Conclusions: This study provides a rich description of the multifaceted nature of participation and its association with life satisfaction as identified by people with SCI living in the community.