Perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among people with spinal cord injury: A descriptive study.
James S Krause, Melinda Jarnecke
PMID 37363128WHAT IT FOUND
Most people with spinal cord injury reported the pandemic negatively affected their community participation.
Over half of those needing personal care attendants relied more on family, and a quarter delayed medical treatments due to fear of infection, though difficulties obtaining basic supplies were less common.
Key findings
01Just over half of participants reported that pandemic restrictions negatively affected their social, family, and community participation.
02Among those who required personal care assistance, 51.9% had to rely on family members for care more than usual, and 37% reported an attendant leaving or reducing hours.
0325% of participants delayed or canceled a medical procedure, treatment, or therapy because of fear of catching COVID-19.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The survey instrument was not validated against objective indicators, so findings reflect perceived rather than actual effects. Data were collected from a single state in the southeastern United States, limiting generalizability. The study was cross-sectional and assessed on a single occasion, preventing the identification of actual changes in outcomes over time. Sample sizes for specific subgroups, such as those requiring personal care assistance, were relatively small. All data were self-reported and susceptible to reporting biases.
Declared interests
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the low percentages for difficulty obtaining food or medications as evidence that basic needs were universally met; the study highlights significant strain on personal care systems and community participation, which may have indirect impacts on health and independence not captured by simple supply counts.