Impact of Social Integration on Mental Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Individuals experiencing Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often face physical, emotional, and social challenges. Social integration significantly influences their mental health, affecting recovery, quality of life, and overall psychological well-being. Aim: To determine the impact of social integration on mental health in individuals with SCI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Outpatient Department (OPD), Karnataka Lingayat Education (KLE), Hubli Co-operative Hospital, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, from 13th June 2025 to 13th July 2025. Data were gathered from 30 individuals with traumatic SCI using the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART-SF) questionnaire and Positive Mental Health (PMH) Scale. An Independent sample t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in social integration scores between PMH groups among individuals with SCI (p-value=0.045). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0.1, with p-value<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 30 participants. A total of 30 participants were enrolled in the study, among whom 22 (73.3%) were male and 8 (26.7%) were female. Based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale, 17 were grade C, 10 grade B, and 3 grade A. Social integration scores ranged from 16 to 80, with a mean of 37.13±18.19. PMH total scored 0 and 9, with a mean of 4.20±4.57. Among the participants, 16 (53.3%) had a PMH score of 0, while 14 (46.7%) had a score of 9. A comparison of social integration according to PMH score showed a “t” value of 2.10 with a p-value of 0.045. Conclusion: The present research highlights the significant role of social integration in influencing the mental health of individuals with SCI. The findings emphasise a comprehensive biopsychosocial rehabilitation approach that combines mental healthcare, social reintegration, and environmental support to enhance overall quality of life.