Maatschappelijke integratie en participatie van personen met een niet-aangeboren hersenletsel: een enquête-analyse van knelpunten en behoeften

Social integration and participation of individuals with acquired brain injury: A survey analysis of challenges and needs Background: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) face challenges in their reintegration into society. This study aimed to identify the specific challenges of people with ABI, focusing on factors that affect their quality of life, ranging from care management to social integration. Method: The Hersenletsel Liga conducted a survey among its members, with 282 individuals with ABI responding to 24 questions across five domains that should surround them daily: free choices, other, care, resources, and a healthy living environment. The analysis utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods, including correlation analysis to find explorative associations. Results: About 20% had limited autonomy in choosing housing, 25% had no control over care choices, 37% lacked a robust social network, and 45% reported insufficient intimacy. Financially, 40% lacked adequate resources. Notably, 55% felt unsafe in public spaces. Weak to moderate correlations were found between autonomy in choosing housing, care, and activities, and feelings of safety in public places (r=0.31-0.36, p<0.001). Access to care was associated with the size of their social network and reliance on social services (r=0.30-0.37, p<0.001). Conclusion: The core challenges highlight difficulties in accessing care and financial support, especially for those over 65. Alarmingly, half felt unsafe in public spaces due to inadequate infrastructure and societal misunderstandings. Finding suitable work often proved to be a challenge, and there appeared to be a weak connection between limited mobility, social isolation, and the frequent occurrence of feelings of loneliness.