Impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on the quality of life and accessing rehabilitation services among patients with spinal cord injury and their fear of COVID‑19

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-03804-7 · Published: May 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Quality of Life

Simple Explanation

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the quality of life (QoL) of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and altered their daily routines. Patients with SCI are at higher risk of mental, behavioral, and physical health issues. The study examines how the pandemic affected the QoL of SCI patients, their fear of COVID-19, and their access to rehabilitation services. This study was designed to examine the effect of the pandemic on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with SCI and their fear of COVID-19. In addition to investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to rehabilitation services and attendance at physiotherapy sessions. The quality of life of these Chinese patients with SCI declined during the pandemic. Most of the participants were shown a high level of fear of COVID-19 and were classified as having an intense fear of COVID-19, in addition to the impact of the pandemic on their access to rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

127 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Observational study

Key Findings

1
The mental and physical aspects of the participants’ quality of life declined significantly during the epidemic compared to the pre-epidemic period.
2
Most participants experienced fear of COVID-19. Worry about virus transmission was the most common reason for not attending regular physical therapy sessions.
3
Patients with complete SCI had more fear of COVID-19 than patients with incomplete SCI. The more fear of COVID-19, the more irregular follow-up visits to the outpatient rehabilitation clinic among patients with SCI.

Research Summary

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QoL) and access to rehabilitation services among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as their fear of COVID-19. The study revealed that the quality of life of patients with SCI declined during the pandemic. Participants showed a high level of fear of COVID-19, which affected their access to rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions. Patients with complete SCI injuries were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected their continuance of attendance of their physiotherapy sessions.

Practical Implications

Increased Attention

More attention should be given to patients with complete SCI injuries to ensure they continue attending their rehabilitation services.

Education on Physical Activity

Vulnerable individuals require further education on the importance of appropriate physical activity, especially during a pandemic.

Psychological Support

Address the psychological effects of the pandemic on the QoL of patients with SCI to guide future care.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may have affected the results due to a lack of statistical power.
2
The absence of equality between the proportion of male and female participants causes limited generalizability.
3
Recall bias may have been present in addition to the ever-present tendency for socially acceptable responding.

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