The Lived Experience of Return to Work in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury in Saudi Arabia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering condition that often results in varying degrees of sensory and motor impairment. In Saudi Arabia, SCI predominantly affects young individuals aged 16-30 years, disrupting their daily activities and limiting their participation in work and community life. Despite this, no prior research in Saudi Arabia has explored the experiences of individuals with SCI regarding returning to work (RTW) or how they manage the long-term impacts of their disability. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of returning to employment amongst individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A qualitative study design was employed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interviews lasting 45-90 min were conducted with three individuals living with SCI. Data were analysed following the IPA framework outlined by Smith et al. (2009).

Results: Six themes emerged from the analysis: employment history, RTW barriers, RTW facilitators, personal factors, community, and RTW itself.

Conclusion: The RTW experience of individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia is shaped by personal, social, and systemic factors. The individual's capacity for coping and problem-solving is central to this process. However, structural barriers and limited societal inclusion often lead to occupational injustice. There is an urgent need for policymakers and rehabilitation professionals to implement supportive frameworks that promote equitable work reintegration and community participation for people with SCI.