The COVID-19 pandemic impacts all domains of quality of life in Egyptians with spinal cord injury: a retrospective longitudinal study

Spinal Cord, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-022-00775-0 · Published: February 26, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Participation COVID-19

Simple Explanation

The study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of life (QOL) of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Egypt. Researchers compared QOL scores before and during the pandemic and also looked at how well participants followed COVID-19 prevention measures recommended by the WHO. The findings showed that individuals with SCI experienced a significant decrease in QOL across all domains (physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment) during the pandemic.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

115 participants with complete/ incomplete SCI

Evidence Level

Longitudinal Study

Key Findings

1
All four QOL domains (Physical Health, Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environment) showed a statistically significant decrease in individuals with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2
Participants were least likely to endorse appropriate hand washing behaviour and maintaining at least a 1-meter distance from other people.
3
Participants were most likely to endorse staying at home and self-isolating when they had minor symptoms, as well as seeking medical attention immediately with COVID-19 symptoms.

Research Summary

The study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Egypt. The results clearly indicated decreased QOL across all domains in persons with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The robustly reduced QOL reported by individuals with SCI in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for rehabilitation and mental health services, particularly administered via telehealth, to buffer the effects of the pandemic.

Practical Implications

Telehealth services

Telehealth can be used to deliver healthcare and provide psychosocial support.

Psychoeducation and support

Psychoeducation and support are needed to promote COVID-19 preventative behaviors.

Rehabilitation and mental health services

There is a need for rehabilitation and mental health services to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic.

Study Limitations

1
Observational retrospective longitudinal study design limits causal inference
2
Study only recruited and contacted individuals with SCI who use social media, limiting the ability to reach other individuals who do not use social media.
3
Participants answered questions about their QOL during the pre-COVID 19 periods depending solely on their memories which may have introduced recall bias.

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