Parenthood
Becoming a parent can be an important part of an individual’s life, including those with SCI. In recent years, there has been an increase in parents with physical disabilities (Rajavenkatanarayanan et al. 2019). Parenthood is possible for individuals with SCI through fertility methods mentioned in previous sections of the chapter. However, following SCI, some barriers may still exist with some aspects of parenting such as mobility, social concerns, and discouragement from healthcare (Van den Borne et al. 2018).
Discussion
We found three studies that highlighted parenthood after SCI, which remains an under researched area.
Van den Borne et al. (2018) found the prevalence of parenthood differs between the sex of the parent and injury characteristics. Men with complete lesions and more complicated bowel management were significantly less likely to be fathers, whereas women with traumatic injuries were less likely to have children following SCI (both p<0.05). Not surprisingly, the same study found that if people with SCI had a strong and supportive partnership, then both men and women with SCI were more likely to become parents (p<0.05).
A pilot study tested the effectiveness of a parenting self-management program for parents with SCI/D (Walker et al. 2021). They found that emergency preparedness, adapted equipment, knowledge of community resources, and management of fatigue and pain significantly increased after the program (p<0.05).
In a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies, Brennan and Swords (2021) found three key themes particular to parenting with SCI; that parenting could amplify their disability, experiencing and challenging negative social attitudes, and continuities and changes in the parenting role. Participants expressed frustrations like being unable to ‘chase after’ of ‘pick up’ their children, when necessary, as well as other people’s perceptions of them being lesser than or unable to complete regular everyday parenting tasks.
Conclusion
There is level 5 evidence (Van den Borne et al. 2018) that men with complete lesions and more complicated bowel management were significantly less likely to be fathers, whereas women with traumatic injuries were less likely to have children following SCI.
There is level 4 evidence (Walker et al. 2021) that a parenting self-management program for parents with SCI increased emergency preparedness, knowledge of community resources, use of adapted equipment, and their management of pain and fatigue.
