Rehabilitation through a cultural lens: the experience of culturally and linguistically diverse traumatic brain injury survivors in Australia

Halima Nalaye; Marina Downing; Jennie Ponsford

doi:10.1080/09638288.2026.2646725

Rehabilitation through a cultural lens: the experience of culturally and linguistically diverse traumatic brain injury survivors in Australia

Disabil Rehabil. 2026 Mar 28:1-16. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2646725. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Halima Nalaye¹, Marina Downing^{1

2}, Jennie Ponsford^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
² Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Hospital, Richmond, VIC, Australia.

PMID: 41902467
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2646725

Abstract

Purpose: Studies have suggested that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors show poorer outcomes than those from the dominant culture; the reasons for this are not well understood. Our study aimed to explore the lived experience of CALD TBI survivors in Australia, focusing on how culturally bound factors may have interacted with their rehabilitation and recovery.

Materials and methods: A qualitative research design was utilised, with 17 CALD TBI survivors (aged 21-79) from 12 different countries participating in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Six themes and 18 subthemes were identified. Participants were grateful for access to fully funded care and supportive rehabilitation clinicians. Challenges such as limited English proficiency or differences in cultural norms affected engagement. Many relied on their belief systems and familial support to guide recovery. Some acknowledged experiencing stigma and isolation attributed to limited understanding of TBI within their families and communities, as well as broader cultural differences in understanding of brain injury and mental health.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of understanding how culturally bound factors can shape the lived experience of CALD TBI survivors, with the potential to inform best practice to achieve optimal outcomes.

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury (TBI); cultural responsiveness; culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD); lived experience; qualitative.

Plain language summary

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors have unique cultural interpretations of their injury that influence their rehabilitation journey and outcomes.Family-centred approaches that address mental health and TBI stigma are critical for supporting CALD TBI survivors through recovery.When aligned with their values, integrating religious and spiritual practices into rehabilitation can enhance treatment outcomes for CALD TBI survivors.