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

Impact and Implications As one of few studies to use qualitative interviews with in-depth thematic analysis, this article offers a novel method of examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of individuals with SCI. Individuals with SCI offered insights on ways in which the pandemic disrupted their receipt of routine health care (including home care and rehabilitation/therapy), engagement in healthy eating and physical activity, and social participation. Other research indicates that the general population faced similar barriers; however, owing to several biopsychosocial realities related to function and disability, the obstacles appeared to be intensified for persons with SCI, for example reliance on home health caregivers for regular range of motion exercises, and perceptions of increased risk of virus exposure due to immunocompromised bodily systems in persons with SCI. Negative impacts from obstacles to receiving health care, engaging in healthy weight management lifestyle behaviors, and social participation may have both short- and long-term effects on increased risk for and management of chronic disease, particularly cardiometabolic conditions and SCI-related secondary conditions, as well as poor social health and emotional well-being. 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. Findings may inform SCI health care providers on what is needed in response to future public health or natural disaster crises.

Automated summary

This article uses qualitative interviews and thematic analysis to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study found that individuals with SCI faced challenges in receiving healthcare, engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors, and participating in social activities, which may have negative effects on chronic disease, social health, and emotional well-being.