A cross-sectional survey on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological well- being and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04955-x · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Quality of Life

Simple Explanation

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Wuhan, China. Data was collected via online questionnaires during the pandemic and compared with pre-pandemic hospital records to assess changes in QOL, anxiety, and depression using standard scales. The research highlights the urgent need for telehealth-based rehabilitation services to support SCI patients and mitigate the pandemic's negative effects on their well-being.

Study Duration

November 2020 to April 2021 (during pandemic), November to December 2019 (pre-pandemic)

Participants

112 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI patients experienced significantly lower QOL scores during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times, particularly in psychological and social relationships domains.
2
Participants reported a significantly higher impact of disability during COVID-19, with increased levels of depression and anxiety compared to the pre-pandemic period.
3
There were variations in the impact of COVID-19 on QOL based on demographic factors such as gender, age, and injury characteristics, with some groups experiencing more significant declines in specific QOL domains.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QOL), anxiety, and depression levels of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Wuhan, China. The findings revealed a significant decrease in QOL across all domains during the pandemic, with increased levels of depression and anxiety among SCI patients. The study highlights the urgent need for rehabilitation and mental health services, particularly through telehealth, to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on the well-being of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Telehealth Rehabilitation

The study emphasizes the need to implement telehealth-based rehabilitation programs to provide essential services and support to SCI patients remotely, mitigating the impact of the pandemic on their well-being.

Mental Health Support

The findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health services into rehabilitation programs for SCI patients, addressing the increased levels of depression and anxiety observed during the pandemic.

Targeted Interventions

The study suggests the need for tailored interventions based on demographic factors such as gender, age, and injury characteristics, addressing the specific challenges and needs of different subgroups of SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Small and biased sample preventing representativeness of the results.
2
Varying levels of education among participants influencing questionnaire understanding.
3
Lack of data on participants’ vaccination status or history of COVID-19 diagnosis.

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