Social and Community Participation in Adults With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to disability that limits social and community participation. However, the barriers to and enablers of post-injury reintegration remain unclear. This scoping review aimed to summarise the factors that facilitate and hinder social and community participation for adults with a chronic SCI. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating barriers to and/or facilitators of social and/or community participation in adults with a chronic SCI were included. Grey literature and six academic databases were searched in March 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Eight studies were included. Barriers to social and community participation included environmental factors, personal factors, context of care and social stigma. Facilitators included environmental factors, personal factors, professional assistance and social support. Addressing environmental challenges, reducing stigma and providing sustained social support and professional assistance enhanced integration. Future research should explore targeted, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen facilitators to optimise the lives of people with SCI.