Barriers to Vocational Training Among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: A spinal cord lesion is a temporary or permanent disruption of a person's motor and sensory function below the site of the lesion, caused by either traumatic or non-traumatic events. It affects many facets of life, including the psychological, social, and physical. A person can improve their psychological, social, and cognitive functioning through vocational rehabilitation. Objectives: To identify various barriers with participation in vocational training programs faced by individuals with persons with spinal cord injury in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with a semi-structured and close ended interviewer administered questionnaire to collect information from 45 spinal cord injury patients who has completed their rehabilitation and taking vocational training from a vocational training center. Data was numerically coded and captured in Microsoft excel, using an SPSS 25 version software program. Results: The study found that most participants were aged 31-40, predominantly male, and from rural areas. Over half were unmarried and lived in extended families. Many had only secondary education, with limited monthly earnings (10,000–20,000 BDT). Mobile servicing training was common among participants, and most were diagnosed with traumatic paraplegia and incomplete C impairment. Accessibility issues were highlighted: 58.7% reported limited accessible vehicles, and 56.5% noted poor infrastructure. While no link was found between socio demographic/clinical profiles and BHADP scale. where sociodemographic and clinical profile were related to training difficulty and factors like residential area and marital status influenced perceptions of training as boring. Discussion: The study reveals that individuals with spinal cord injuries face barriers to vocational training with financial constraints, limited accessible transportation, and inadequate support systems. Most participants were male from rural areas, and had limited education and income. Predominantly, they relied on wheelchairs and a large portion experienced comorbidities like depression. Findings suggest that enhancing transportation, support systems, and vocational training accessibility is crucial. Future efforts should focus on targeted educational programs, affordable transport solutions and mental health support to improve vocational outcomes for SCI patients especially in underserved rural areas. Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Vocational training, Barrier. Word Count: 10680