Daiana Popa

Daiana Popa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
1 February 2025 in NeuroSci
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLCamelia Florentina Lascu
Camelia Florentina Lascu
DPDaiana Popa
Daiana Popa
CBCamelia Liana Buhaș
Camelia Liana Buhaș
FVFlorica Voita-Mekeres
Florica Voita-Mekeres
FPFlorina Ligia Popa
Florina Ligia Popa
CHCălin Tudor Hozan
Călin Tudor Hozan
This study investigates employment rates and their determinants among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Romania using data from the Romanian National Spinal Cord Injury Survey (RO-InSCI), part of the International Spinal Cord Injury (InSCI) Community Survey. The cross-sectional study included 215 adults with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI living in the community. Participants were recruited through rehabilitation hospitals and patient organizations. Employment status, demographic characteristics, and injury-related factors were assessed. The observed employment rate was 25.35%, with a 39.45% employment gap compared to the general population. Barriers to employment included health status, disability, inadequate transport, and insufficient access to infrastructure, particularly for those with traumatic SCI. Vocational rehabilitation participation was low (18.7%), despite a strong desire to return to work (82% for traumatic SCI, 61.1% for non-traumatic SCI). Before injury, participants were primarily employed in elementary occupations, with higher rates among those with paraplegia. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, inclusive labor market policies, and improved accessibility to vocational rehabilitation to support workforce reintegration and address the specific needs of individuals with SCI in Romania.