Abstract:
Background: This qualitative study explores community acceptance and social
inclusion of individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) experiences after rehabilitation.
Also understand the processes of community acceptance and social inclusion among
individuals with spinal cord injury.
Aim: To Understand process of community acceptance and social inclusion among
individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods: For this study, a qualitative research method using the grounded theory
approach was selected. Purposive sampling was used by including 15 participants (4
female, 11 male) who had at least 1 year of living experience in a particular
community. The data saturation process was utilized to reach this particular number
of participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face
interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding with constant
comparison.
Results: Findings revealed a dynamic, multi-stage process. Initially, SCI led to social
rupture characterized by stigma, perceived burden, and exclusion. Rehabilitation and
support systems facilitated rebuilding confidence and reframed identity. Inclusion
became possible within enabling environments that supported participation. Respect
was gained through meaningful contribution, particularly employment and family roles.
However, inclusion remained conditional and required ongoing negotiation. Over time,
sustained participation and collective advocacy contributed to broader community
norm shifts.
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Conclusions: Community acceptance and social inclusion are evolving social
processes shaped by personal agency, support systems, and structural contexts. Holistic
rehabilitation approaches addressing social and structural dimensions are essential to
ensure sustainable inclusion of SCI survivors in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Spinal Cord Injury, Community Acceptance, Social Inclusion, Stigma,
Rehabilitation, Grounded Theory, Bangladesh.
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Occupational therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
