Abdelrahman Elaraby1, Mostafa Shahein1, Amira Hassan Bekhet1, Paul B Perrin2,3,4, Ashraf S Gorgey5,6. 1. Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 2. Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. 3. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. 4. Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA. 5. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. ashraf.gorgey@va.gov. 6. Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA. ashraf.gorgey@va.gov.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several aspects of life have been affected. These aspects have been impacted especially in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The current study explored the overall effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life (QOL) domains in persons with SCI as well as evaluated their adherence to WHO-COVID 19-preventive measures. DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted after asking participants to complete an online validated Arabic version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires including their demographics. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were completed targeting two separate occasions to represent their scores prior to and during the pandemic. Participants were asked to rate their adherence to WHO-COVID-19 preventive measures on a 10-point scale. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 115 participants with complete/ incomplete SCI were recruited via social media and contacted by phone to complete the questionnaires. RESULTS: Persons with SCI had lower QOL scores during the COVID-19 period compared to their QOL during the pre-COVID-19 period; all QOL domains (Physical Health, Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environment) showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). Regarding COVID-19 preventative measures, participants were most likely to endorse self-isolation as well as staying home measures and least likely to adhere to hand washing and social distancing measures. CONCLUSION: The robustly reduced QOL reported by individuals with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for rehabilitation and mental health services, particularly administered via telehealth, to buffer the effects of the pandemic. Additionally, psychoeducation and support regarding COVID-19 preventative behaviors in this region would be critical.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several aspects of life have been affected. These aspects have been impacted especially in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The current study explored the overall effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life (QOL) domains in persons with SCI as well as evaluated their adherence to WHO-COVID 19-preventive measures. DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted after asking participants to complete an online validated Arabic version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires including their demographics. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were completed targeting two separate occasions to represent their scores prior to and during the pandemic. Participants were asked to rate their adherence to WHO-COVID-19 preventive measures on a 10-point scale. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 115 participants with complete/ incomplete SCI were recruited via social media and contacted by phone to complete the questionnaires. RESULTS: Persons with SCI had lower QOL scores during the COVID-19 period compared to their QOL during the pre-COVID-19 period; all QOL domains (Physical Health, Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environment) showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). Regarding COVID-19 preventative measures, participants were most likely to endorse self-isolation as well as staying home measures and least likely to adhere to hand washing and social distancing measures. CONCLUSION: The robustly reduced QOL reported by individuals with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for rehabilitation and mental health services, particularly administered via telehealth, to buffer the effects of the pandemic. Additionally, psychoeducation and support regarding COVID-19 preventative behaviors in this region would be critical.
Authors: Ali Lakhani; Salvatore Dema; Josh Hose; Nazim Erdem; Dennis Wollersheim; Peter Grimbeek; Susan Charlifue Journal: Health Soc Care Community Date: 2022-08-04
Authors: Ashraf S Gorgey; Refka E Khalil; Malak Alrubaye; Ranjodh Gill; Jeannie Rivers; Lance L Goetz; David X Cifu; Teodoro Castillo; Deborah Caruso; Timothy D Lavis; Edward J Lesnefsky; Christopher C Cardozo; Robert A Adler Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-10-05 Impact factor: 3.006