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

Abstract

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. Impact and ImplicationsThe pandemic has tremendously affected the lives of PwSCI; however, limited research has been conducted to identify how these individuals are coping with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative research adds insights to the understanding of strategies that PwSCI living in low-resource countries used to cope with stressors resulting from the pandemic. The study found that PwSCI were utilizing social support, serving others, engaging in self-care activities, and enhancing positive thinking and creativity to cope with COVID-19-related challenges. The findings can inform health practitioners and researchers in helping PwSCI enhance healthy coping and thus well-being through appropriate service delivery and policy development. A tailored psychosocial intervention is crucial to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic through healthy and adaptive coping.

Creative nonfiction approach to explore peer mentorship for individuals with spinal cord injury.

“…Future research may investigate the impact of the pandemic on SCI peer mentorship relationships, especially surrounding the increased use of virtual communication methods. For example, the friendship-mentorship boundary may be further affected than described in this study by the increasing interactions with others through phone calls, text, or social media of individuals with SCI during the pandemic (Bhattarai et al, 2023). The interviews were participants' retrospective recall of the relationship.…”