A qualitative study of coping strategies in persons with spinal cord injury during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify strategies that persons with spinal cord injury (PwSCI) used to cope with COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: This qualitative phenomenological study utilized focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect participants' responses. Two virtual FGDs using Zoom were conducted in June and July, 2021. Each FGD consisted of seven participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in communities in Nepal. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze and interpret the data. RESULTS: Four major themes related to coping strategies PwSCI used during the pandemic were identified: (a) use of social support, (b) serving others, (c) engagement in self-care activities, and (d) positive thinking and creativity. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest that many participants used healthy coping strategies to cope with COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and challenges. Identification and reinforcement of healthy coping strategies in PwSCI are essential for health professionals to help these individuals navigate the psychosocial adaptation process during the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Living with spinal cord injury during COVID-19: a qualitative study of impacts of the pandemic in Nepal.

STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative study using focus group discussion. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impacts of COVID-19 on multiple aspects of the lives of individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Nepal. SETTING: Community settings in Nepal. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using two virtual focus group discussions. Fourteen individuals with SCI residing in different parts of Nepal participated. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze and interpret the participants' responses. RESULTS: The four key themes for the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals with SCI were: (1) physical health with subthemes of (a) difficulty due to the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and (b) deterioration in secondary conditions; (2) mental health with subthemes of (c) constant fear of COVID-19 and (d) psychological distress; (3) social life with subthemes of (e) social stigma and (f) social isolation, and (4) economic problems with subthemes of (g) financial burden and (i) inadequate resources. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has tremendously impacted the physical, mental, social, and economic aspects of the lives of individuals with SCI. These, in turn, could impede the functioning and well-being of this population. The utilization of telehealth to provide education, psychosocial support, social awareness programs, and the provision of essential medical supplies appear necessary to maintain and improve the well-being of individuals with SCI during this pandemic. Future studies using an in-depth interview approach and psychosocial interventions are recommended.