TY - JOUR
T1 - Isolated and anxious
T2 - A qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals living with spinal cord injury in the UK
AU - Hearn, Jasmine Heath
AU - Rohn, Edward J.
AU - Monden, Kimberley R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2021/7/22
Y1 - 2021/7/22
N2 - Objective: People living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are often immunocompromised, and at increased risk of respiratory infection. Given the restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, those with SCI may be at increased risk of health deterioration, though how this is experienced is poorly understood. This study explored the experiences of people living with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Participants completed an online survey consisting of demographic questions, and open-ended qualitative questions pertaining to their experiences during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was utilized for the analytical approach. Setting: Community-based sample in the UK. Participants: Participants were recruited via social media outlets of UK-based SCI-specific support charities, and snowball sampling (N = 42, F = 34, M = 8). Results: Key themes included: (1) lost access to health services and support, capturing concerns surrounding barriers to healthcare and rehabilitation, which intensified secondary consequences of SCI such as spasm and pain; (2) health anxiety, which was perpetuated by perceived heightened vulnerabilities to respiratory complications; (3) social isolation, with significantly reduced social contact, even with care providers, compounding health experiences. Conclusion: People living with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced a variety of personal physical, psychological, and social challenges, each of which could disrupt daily functioning and quality of life. Increased utilization of telehealth is recommended to support continued engagement in rehabilitation, and foster connection and community amongst others with SCI and health professionals.
AB - Objective: People living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are often immunocompromised, and at increased risk of respiratory infection. Given the restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, those with SCI may be at increased risk of health deterioration, though how this is experienced is poorly understood. This study explored the experiences of people living with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Participants completed an online survey consisting of demographic questions, and open-ended qualitative questions pertaining to their experiences during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was utilized for the analytical approach. Setting: Community-based sample in the UK. Participants: Participants were recruited via social media outlets of UK-based SCI-specific support charities, and snowball sampling (N = 42, F = 34, M = 8). Results: Key themes included: (1) lost access to health services and support, capturing concerns surrounding barriers to healthcare and rehabilitation, which intensified secondary consequences of SCI such as spasm and pain; (2) health anxiety, which was perpetuated by perceived heightened vulnerabilities to respiratory complications; (3) social isolation, with significantly reduced social contact, even with care providers, compounding health experiences. Conclusion: People living with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced a variety of personal physical, psychological, and social challenges, each of which could disrupt daily functioning and quality of life. Increased utilization of telehealth is recommended to support continued engagement in rehabilitation, and foster connection and community amongst others with SCI and health professionals.
KW - COVID-19
KW - Infection
KW - Isolation
KW - Pandemic
KW - SCI
KW - Thematic analysis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85111407946&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1080/10790268.2021.1949562
DO - 10.1080/10790268.2021.1949562
M3 - Article
C2 - 34292136
AN - SCOPUS:85111407946
SN - 1079-0268
VL - 45
SP - 691
EP - 699
JO - Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
JF - Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
IS - 5
ER -