Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the subjective understanding of participation and
integration of persons with spinal cord injuries from 5 European countries and to
compare these findings with the International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health (ICF)'s conceptualization of participation. METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews with 54 persons with acquired spinal cord injuries and
3 with spina bifida from 5 countries were examined using qualitative content
analysis. RESULTS: Integration was most often associated with social acceptance
and, furthermore, with ordinary performance, equality and freedom of choice.
Participation was most often described as ordinary performance, with less
emphasis on social acceptance and equality. However, participation and
integration overlapped in people's narratives and were difficult to separate. The
perception of participation and integration was largely similar across countries.
In contrast to others, however, Finnish interviewees were more likely to
associate participation with contributing to society. A variety of life domains
was identified, of which recreation and leisure, work life, sports and going out
were the most prevalent. CONCLUSION: While participation domains are well covered
by the ICF, as is the notion of ordinary performance, interviewees also referred
to a rights (e.g. acceptance) and duties (e.g. contribution) perspective.

Langue : ANGLAIS