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

Sherri L. LaVela*, Justina Wu, Andrea L. Nevedal, Alex H.S. Harris, Susan M. Frayne, Katherine D. Arnow, Nicolas B. Barreto, Kristen Davis, Dan Eisenberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as experienced and reported by individuals living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Research Method/Design: Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth semistructured interviews with individuals with SCI (n = 33) followed by thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes described impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. (a) Impact on health care use; subthemes elaborated that this was attributable to in-person health care facility restrictions or individual decisions to delay care. Individuals with SCI experienced lapses in primary and SCI-specialty care, rehabilitation/ therapy services, and home care, but some made use of telehealth services. (b) Impact on weight and/ or weight management lifestyle behaviors; subthemes discussed that engagement in physical activity declined because of fitness center closures, recreational activity cancellations, and safety precautions limiting community-based and outdoor activities. The pandemic disrupted participants’ independence in purchasing and making preferred food selections which impacted healthy eating. Participants ate due to boredom, at nonmealtimes, and consumed unhealthy foods during the pandemic. (c) Impact on psychosocial factors; included subthemes noting reduced social interactions, social participation, and ability to pursue pastimes with family, friends, and groups they belonged to. The pandemic also triggered emotional reactions such as worry, fear, doubt, demotivation, and feelings of social isolation. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the magnitude of consequences faced by individuals with SCI when restrictions to health care, healthy lifestyle endeavors, and social participation occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12-24
Number of pages13
JournalRehabilitation Psychology
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 17 2022

Keywords

  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • healthcare use
  • psychosocial outcomes
  • qualitative research
  • weight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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