Quality of Life, Functional Independence, and Caregiver Burden in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Participating in a Supported Employment Program: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Supported employment (SE) improves vocational outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), but its relationship with broader life domains such as quality of life (QoL), functional independence, and caregiver burden is less clear. Objective This cross-sectional study assessed these outcomes in individuals with SCI enrolled in an SE program and explored associations with demographic characteristics and program phase. Method Thirty-four participants enrolled in a structured SE program completed the WHOQOL-BREF and Functional Independence Measure; their primary caregivers completed the Caregiver Burden Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests. Results Participants reported moderate-to-favorable QoL and high functional independence (mean total FIM = 110.21/126), although sphincter-control scores were lower. Caregiver burden was moderate (mean CBS = 22.88/52). Men reported higher physical and social QoL scores, whereas women reported higher general and psychological QoL scores. Married participants and those with higher education reported better QoL and functional independence. Caregiver burden was higher among caregivers of women, married participants, and participants with higher education. Participants in the final job-retention phase (n = 5) had significantly better locomotion scores (p = .003). Conclusion Individuals with SCI participating in SE showed favorable overall QoL and functional independence, but persistent challenges in sphincter control and caregiver burden support the need for integrated, personalized rehabilitation. The association between job-retention phase and locomotion should be interpreted cautiously given the cross-sectional design and small subgroup size.