The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

Rehabil Psychol, 2023 · DOI: 10.1037/rep0000469 · Published: February 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It examines impacts on their healthcare, lifestyle, and social well-being. The research found that the pandemic led to reduced access to healthcare, changes in weight management behaviors (like physical activity and eating habits), and negative impacts on mental and social health for those with SCI. These findings can help healthcare providers better understand the challenges faced by individuals with SCI during public health crises and tailor care to meet their needs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

33 veterans with SCI

Evidence Level

Level 4: Descriptive qualitative design

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced lapses in primary and SCI-specialty care, rehabilitation/therapy services, and home care, but some made use of telehealth services.
2
Engagement in physical activity declined because of fitness center closures, recreational activity cancellations, and safety precautions limiting community-based and outdoor activities.
3
The pandemic triggered emotional reactions such as worry, fear, doubt, demotivation, and feelings of social isolation.

Research Summary

This study used qualitative interviews to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with SCI, focusing on health care use, weight management, and psychosocial factors. The findings revealed significant disruptions in access to healthcare services, declines in physical activity and healthy eating behaviors, and increased feelings of social isolation and emotional distress. The study concludes that these disruptions may have serious consequences for individuals with SCI, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and support during public health crises.

Practical Implications

Inform Healthcare Providers

Findings can guide SCI health care providers in responding to future public health crises by understanding the specific needs of individuals with SCI.

Promote Telehealth

Telehealth can be a successful health care delivery option to complement in-person care, particularly for those with limited access due to distance or transportation challenges.

Address Mental Health

Capitalize on SCI peer support interactions or programs to combat negative emotions and social isolation during public health crises.

Study Limitations

1
Purposeful criterion sampling and the exclusion of non-English speaking participants may have introduced bias into the findings.
2
Study participants represent only a small proportion of veterans with SCI, which may impact the transferability of findings.
3
The study included only veterans with SCI receiving care at the VHA, so the findings may be different than what might be reported by veterans receiving care outside of the VHA or civilians with SCI.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury