Assessing healthcare accessibility and rehabilitation experiences among individuals with spinal cord injury in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent disability and secondary complications, requiring long-term healthcare management. Globally, individuals with SCI face barriers to healthcare access; in Lebanon, data on these challenges are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess healthcare and rehabilitation accessibility for individuals with SCI in Lebanon, focusing on facility accessibility, service utilization, coverage, patient satisfaction, and community reintegration.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 70 individuals with SCI receiving outpatient care in Lebanese rehabilitation and medical centers (January-March 2025). Data included sociodemographic and clinical profiles, facility accessibility audits, healthcare access and use, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 42.1 ± 14.9 years; 64.3% were male. Physical barriers were prevalent, with over 90% of Obstetrics & Gynecology and 85% of Family and Physical Medicine clinics lacking accessible imaging and restrooms. Only 53.3% had partial health coverage, and 59.2% cited unaffordability as the main barrier to care. All received rehabilitation, mostly physical therapy (93.5%), while access to occupational and psychological therapies was limited (29% each). Though satisfaction was high, 51.6% lacked post-rehabilitation follow-up. Major reintegration challenges included inaccessible public spaces (38.6%) and financial hardship (25.7%).

CONCLUSION

Significant physical, financial, and systemic barriers hinder healthcare and rehabilitation access for individuals with SCI in Lebanon. Coordinated efforts are needed to improve infrastructure, insurance coverage, and continuity of care, enhancing outcomes and community inclusion for this population.