Community Acceptance and Social Inclusion of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study.

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. XIV 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.