The transitional experiences of spinal cord injury patients: Challenges, changes and coping

The objective of the study is to explore the meanings of the lived experiences of spinal cord injury patients. This research utilized qualitative husserlian phenomelogical design. Semi structured interviews with six informants who had a spinal cord injury were conducted. Data was analyzed utilizing the Colaizzi process. Three themes emerged and these were: (1) Challenges of SCI patients and four sub-themes were generated: (a) financial constraints, (b) pain, (c) uncertainty of life and (d) adjusting to physical disability; (2) Changes in social support; and (3) Coping strategies which had five subthemes: (a) trying to be independent, (b) resolving to Prevail, (c) hope, (d) establishing a new Identity, and (e) psycho-spiritual upliftment. A better understanding of the meanings ascribed to the lived experiences of SCI patients can guide the family, healthcare professionals and future researchers to develop responsive approaches to support these patients.