Personal hygiene care in persons with spinal cord injury during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: an Indian perspective

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-00328-8 · Published: August 5, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Public Health

Simple Explanation

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of basic hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and mask-wearing. People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in India face unique challenges in maintaining personal hygiene during the pandemic and lockdown due to mobility restrictions and environmental barriers. Telerehabilitation approaches, such as telephonic calls and customized videos, can be utilized to provide education and support for individuals with SCI in maintaining proper health hygiene during pandemics.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mobility restrictions directly hinder hand hygiene for individuals with SCI, and pre-existing skin infections require more vigorous hygienic practices.
2
COVID-19 has increased the dependence of people with SCI on caregivers, leading to fear and a need for increased assistance in clean intermittent catheterizations.
3
Financial crises caused by COVID-19 can constrain access to essential hygiene materials, making people with SCI more vulnerable to infections.

Research Summary

The letter highlights the barriers to personal hygiene in persons with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in India, emphasizing their increased susceptibility to infections. It points out that mobility restrictions and environmental barriers are significant hindrances to optimal hygienic practice among people with SCI, with issues like access to safe water and soap being common in developing countries. The authors recommend increasing health education at the community level and utilizing telerehabilitation approaches to support individuals with SCI in maintaining proper health hygiene during pandemics.

Practical Implications

Public Health Education

Increased health education at the community level regarding personal hygiene, especially for vulnerable populations.

Telerehabilitation Implementation

Adoption of telerehabilitation approaches to provide ongoing support and guidance for individuals with SCI in managing their hygiene.

Socioeconomic Support

Provision of customized socioeconomic solutions to address financial constraints on materials essential for personal hygiene.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of specific studies in people with SCI during this pandemic.
2
Generalizability to other developing countries may vary due to socioeconomic differences.
3
Reliance on telerehabilitation may be limited by access to technology and internet connectivity.

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