ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To document the labour market participation rate and investigate the impact of social and economic characteristics on this outcome among individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) who participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in Brazil. SETTING: A specialised rehabilitation centre in southern Brazil. METHODS: An interview was performed with former rehabilitation clients with SCI/D. A total of 111 community-dwelling individuals with SCI/D who had been previously rehabilitated in a large regional rehabilitation centre were considered. Employment status and demographic, injury, work, and economic characteristics were self-reported via interview. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The labour market participation rate was 21.6% (24 individuals). Five respondents were employed in formal work activities, and the other 19 were involved in informal activities (self-employed). Since the onset of injury, a shorter time was associated with nonparticipation in occupational work. Individuals with a higher level of education were more likely to be working. Household income was higher among the participants who had returned to work than among those who had not returned. CONCLUSION: There is a relatively low labour market participation rate among rehabilitated individuals with SCI/D in southern Brazil. The rehabilitation services should emphasise vocational training, access to education, and employment support for individuals with SCI/D from early onset after the injury. Public policies must be revised to support labour market participation among individuals with SCI/D in Brazil.
