@article{ref1,
title="Stigma following acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury: relationship to psychological distress and community integration in the first-year post-discharge",
journal="Disability and rehabilitation",
year="2023",
author="Ownsworth, Tamara and Mols, Helen and O'Loghlen, Jessica and Xie, Yanfei and Kendall, Melissa and Nielsen, Mandy and Mitchell, Jessie and Jones, Rachel and Geraghty, Timothy",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare stigma levels after acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first 12-months post-discharge and investigate relationships between stigma, psychological distress and community integration. <br><br>METHODS: 110 adults with ABI (55%) or SCI (45%) were recruited from brain and spinal cord injury inpatient rehabilitation units of a tertiary healthcare facility. They were administered Neuro-QOL Stigma subscale and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) at discharge, 3-months and 12-months post-discharge, and Community Integration Measure at 12-months post-discharge. <br><br>RESULTS: Stigma levels did not significantly differ between individuals with ABI and SCI. However, stigma significantly decreased between discharge and 12-months post-discharge for the total sample. Stigma was positively associated with psychological distress at discharge and 3-months post-discharge, but not at 12-months post-discharge. Lower functional status and power wheelchair use were associated with higher stigma at 12-months post-discharge. Stigma at 3-months post-discharge predicted community integration at 12-months post-discharge, controlling for psychological distress and functional status. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Experience of stigma in the first few months post-discharge may negatively impact individuals' community reintegration. The early post-discharge period may be a pivotal time for supporting individuals to explore disability and injury-related appraisals and enhance connection to their community.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0963-8288",
doi="10.1080/09638288.2023.2205173",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2205173"
}