Sara J T Guilcher1,2,3,4, B Catharine Craven2,3,5,6, Rebecca L Bassett-Gunter7, Stephanie R Cimino8, Sander L Hitzig2,8,9. 1. Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 2. Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 3. Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 4. Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. 5. Neural Engineering & Therapeutics Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. 6. Division of Physiatry, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 7. School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada. 8. St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. 9. Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation post-spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), and to examine associations among social disconnectedness and social isolation by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to 170 community dwelling individuals with a SCI/D. Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size, composition, and frequency of contact. Social isolation was measured using the revised three item UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: Of the 170 participants, the majority were men (n = 136, 80%), had a traumatic injury (n = 149, 87.6%), and had incomplete tetraplegia (n = 58, 34%). The mean network size was 3.86 (SD = 2.0) of a maximum seven. The mean loneliness score for the sample was 4.93 (SD = 1.87). Factors associated with lower feelings of loneliness included being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed. Size of networks was not significantly associated with feelings of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the vulnerability for perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D. The size of network does not seem to matter as much as the frequency and quality of social interactions. Findings reinforce the complexity of social disconnectedness and the importance in understanding the various indicators of social disconnectedness as they relate to social isolation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Social relationships have been shown to be a vital component of optimal health and well-being. Individuals with a spinal cord injury/dysfunction are faced with a number of challenges in developing and maintaining social relationships and community participation. Rehabilitation professionals should encourage opportunities for social inclusion, employment and community participation to optimize health and well-being for this population.
PURPOSE: To describe objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation post-spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), and to examine associations among social disconnectedness and social isolation by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to 170 community dwelling individuals with a SCI/D. Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size, composition, and frequency of contact. Social isolation was measured using the revised three item UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: Of the 170 participants, the majority were men (n = 136, 80%), had a traumatic injury (n = 149, 87.6%), and had incomplete tetraplegia (n = 58, 34%). The mean network size was 3.86 (SD = 2.0) of a maximum seven. The mean loneliness score for the sample was 4.93 (SD = 1.87). Factors associated with lower feelings of loneliness included being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed. Size of networks was not significantly associated with feelings of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the vulnerability for perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D. The size of network does not seem to matter as much as the frequency and quality of social interactions. Findings reinforce the complexity of social disconnectedness and the importance in understanding the various indicators of social disconnectedness as they relate to social isolation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Social relationships have been shown to be a vital component of optimal health and well-being. Individuals with a spinal cord injury/dysfunction are faced with a number of challenges in developing and maintaining social relationships and community participation. Rehabilitation professionals should encourage opportunities for social inclusion, employment and community participation to optimize health and well-being for this population.
Entities:
Keywords:
Spinal cord injury; loneliness; network intimacy; social disconnectedness; social isolation; social networks
Authors: Eleni M Patsakos; Mark T Bayley; Ailene Kua; Christiana Cheng; Janice Eng; Chester Ho; Vanessa K Noonan; Matthew Querée; B Catharine Craven Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2021 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Nicholas Santino; Victoria Larocca; Sander L Hitzig; Sara J T Guilcher; B Catharine Craven; Rebecca L Bassett-Gunter Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2020-05-07 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Lauren C Bates; Ryan Conners; Gabriel Zieff; Nathan T Adams; Kyle M Edgar; Sandra Stevens; Mark A Faghy; Ross Arena; Amber Vermeesch; Rodney P Joseph; NiCole Keith; Lee Stoner Journal: Disabil Health J Date: 2021-07-24 Impact factor: 2.554