Factors affecting return to work after spinal cord injury in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

Study design: Survey.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the rate of return to work among individuals with spinal cord injuries in Japan and identify factors associated with their return.

Setting: Returning to work is difficult for people with spinal cord injuries, although it contributes to their personal quality of life and society. Previous studies have examined various factors inhibiting return to work, but none have examined social participation.

Methods: Questionnaires were sent to individuals of working age with spinal cord injuries. Their employment status, marital status, neurological status, activities of daily living, enjoyment of sports and/or hobbies post-injury, and whether they lived with family were examined using the visual analog scale for pain.

Results: Among the 134 respondents, 61 (46%) were employed at the time of the survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that mild paralysis and enjoyment of sports and/or hobbies were significant factors associated with return to work. Among those employed, 27% secured jobs through private job introductions, highlighting the role of social connections in facilitating employment.

Conclusions: Besides mild paralysis, social participation in sports and/or hobbies was significantly associated with a return to work. As social connections can provide opportunities to obtain jobs, providing spaces for interaction through sports and hobbies, can create a conducive environment for returning to work.