ABSTRACT
Background: Participation in travel/trips usually lowers for people after SCI. COVID-19 lockdowns have further reduced their travel, including visits to healthcare services. People with SCI are found to have real concerns about their vulnerability to COVID-19, and research is needed to understand their perceptions of future travel participation. Objective: To explore the potential impact of COVID-19 on future travel participation of people with SCI. Design: In-depth interviews over the telephone. Methods: Thirty-eight interviews were conducted between May and August 2020. Respondents were patients enrolled in a SCI Model System who were due for the 5th-year anniversary interview. Results Observed: While more than half of the respondents canceled trips or delayed plans, approximately one in five respondents traveled since March 2020 for leisure and personal business. Many respondents believed social interaction would change in their future travels because of concerns over their compromised immune or respiratory system, other people are not wearing masks or cough/sneeze over their heads, and air exchange rate in closed spaces. Most respondents said they would travel again, but with changes: 1. more careful about protecting themselves from germs/virus, 2. avoid flying and prefer travel in own vehicle, 3. when choosing places to visit, focus more on its set up (if outdoors or socially distanced) and cleanliness, and 4. research on irregular events and restrictions of the area. Conclusions: Information on the travel industry's adjustments made due to COVID-19 should be communicated promptly. Health professionals should develop recommendations on meeting the specific needs of customers with SCI related to COVID-19.