Author:
Khadour Fater A.,Khadour Younes A.,Ebrahem Bashar M.,Meng Ling,XinLi Cui,Xu Tao
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The unanticipated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and made significant changes in their daily routine. Patients with SCI face additional health risks, especially mental, behavioral, and physical. Without regular physiotherapy sessions, patients' psychological and functional abilities can deteriorate, and complications can occur. There is little information available about the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of patients with SCI, and their access to rehabilitation services during the pandemic.
Objective
This study was designed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of patients with SCI and also their fear of COVID-19. The pandemic’s impact on the accessibility of rehabilitation services and attendance at physiotherapy sessions in one Chinese hospital were also documented.
Design
An observational study based on an online survey.
Setting
Outpatients clinic at the rehabilitation department of Wuhan's Tongji Hospital.
Participants
People who had been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and who were receiving regular medical monitoring as outpatients at the rehabilitation department were invited to participate in our study (n = 127).
Intervention
Not applicable.
Outcome measures
A 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) designed to measure participants' quality of life before and during the pandemic. Their fear of COVID-19 was quantified using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Demographic and medical status information was extracted from their medical records. Their use of rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions was also documented.
Results
Seventy-nine patients with SCI completed the SF-12 and FCV-19 scale. The mental and physical aspects of the participants’ quality of life declined significantly, during the epidemic compared to the pre-epidemic period. More than half of the participants have experienced fear of COVID-19 based on FCV-19S. Most received only irregular physical therapy during routine checkups. Worry about virus transmission was the most common cause cited for not attending regular physical therapy sessions.
Conclusions
The quality of life of these Chinese patients with SCI declined during the pandemic. Most of the participants were shown a high level of fear of COVID-19 and were classified as having an intense fear of COVID-19, in addition to the impact of the pandemic on their access to rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,Surgery
Cited by
1 articles.
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