Social Justice for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Bangladesh : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) profoundly affects individuals' physical, emotional, and social well-being, making it a critical public health concern globally. In Bangladesh, individuals with SCI face compounded challenges due to systemic injustice in healthcare access, education, employment, social inclusion, and policy enforcement. Despite the high prevalence of SCI in Bangladesh, research addressing their lived experiences from a social justice perspective is limited. This article describes experiences of people with SCI in an effort to understand the inequities and disparities they are subjected to, centering on the theme of equal opportunities and inclusion. Aim: This research aims to explore and address the challenges, disparities, and barriers individuals with SCI face in various aspects of their lives, focusing on healthcare access, educational opportunities, job and workplace opportunities, social inclusion, wealth distribution, and legal and policy frameworks. Methodology: A phenomenological qualitative research design was used to gain an in depth understanding of the lived experiences of individuals with SCI. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 participants selected by purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included adults with SCI who had lived in their communities for at least one year and used wheelchairs. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and insights from the narratives. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to. Result: The study shows the important social justice issues faced by individuals with SCI in Bangladesh, based on sociodemographic factors, healthcare access, education, employment, financial stability, and policy frameworks. Discrimination, lack of infrastructure, stigma, financial barriers, and ineffective policies exacerbate their struggles, requiring systemic reforms for inclusion and equal opportunities. Conclusion: This study has shown the critical need for focused, inclusive policies and interventions that can address the systemic inequities people with SCI face in Bangladesh. There needs to be emphasis on the enforcement of existing disability rights, improvement in accessibility, and promotion of societal attitudes toward inclusion. These findings contribute to the understanding of social justice for people with SCI and provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and social activists. Keywords: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Social Justice, Discrimination, Disability Rights, Inclusion, Healthcare Access, Employment Discrimination.