The Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA.
J Spinal Cord Med. 2022 Sep;45(5):691-699. doi: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1949562. Epub 2021 Jul 22.
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.
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.
Community-based sample in the UK.
Participants were recruited via social media outlets of UK-based SCI-specific support charities, and snowball sampling (= 42, F = 34, M = 8).
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.
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.
脊髓损伤（SCI）患者通常免疫力较弱，患呼吸道感染的风险增加。考虑到 COVID-19 大流行的限制，SCI 患者的健康状况恶化风险可能会增加，但人们对这种情况的体验知之甚少。本研究探讨了 COVID-19 大流行期间 SCI 患者的体验。
参与者完成了一份在线调查，其中包括人口统计学问题和与他们在大流行期间的经历有关的开放式定性问题。采用主题分析作为分析方法。
英国的社区样本。
参与者通过英国 SCI 特定支持慈善机构的社交媒体渠道招募，并采用滚雪球抽样（n=42，女性 34 人，男性 8 人）。
主要主题包括：（1）丧失获得健康服务和支持的机会，包括对医疗保健和康复障碍的担忧，这些障碍加剧了 SCI 的继发性后果，如痉挛和疼痛；（2）健康焦虑，这是由于对呼吸道并发症的感知脆弱性加剧而产生的；（3）社交孤立，社交接触明显减少，即使是与护理提供者，也使健康体验更加复杂。
COVID-19 大流行期间，SCI 患者经历了各种身体、心理和社会挑战，这些挑战都可能扰乱日常功能和生活质量。建议增加远程医疗的使用，以支持继续进行康复治疗，并促进 SCI 患者和卫生专业人员之间的联系和社区建设。
