COVID-19 and Mortality in the Spinal Cord Injury Population: Examining the Impact of Sex, Mental Health, and Injury Etiology

Healthcare, 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12192002 · Published: October 7, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality rates among people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) living in Ontario, Canada. The study looks at mortality rates before, during, and after the pandemic, considering factors like sex, injury type (traumatic or non-traumatic), and mental health status. The findings show a significant increase in mortality rates among the SCI population during the pandemic, especially for females, those with non-traumatic injuries, and individuals with mental health diagnoses.

Study Duration

March 2014 to May 2024

Participants

5753 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Cohort study

Key Findings

1
There was a significant 21.4% increase in mortality rates for the SCI cohort during the pandemic.
2
Females had a significantly higher mortality rate than males during the pandemic.
3
Individuals with mental health diagnoses had higher mortality rates than those without at the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Research Summary

The study found a significant increase of 21.4% in mortality rates during the pandemic for the SCI cohort in Ontario, Canada. Subgroup analysis revealed significant increases in mortality rates for males, females, individuals with non-traumatic SCI, and those with or without mental health diagnoses during the pandemic. The study highlights inequitable access to medical care in the SCI population and calls for further research and interventions.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Develop specific interventions and support systems for vulnerable SCI subgroups, such as females, individuals with non-traumatic injuries, and those with mental health diagnoses.

Equitable Access to Care

Address and mitigate inequities in access to medical care within the SCI population to improve health outcomes.

Further Research

Conduct additional research to explore the specific factors that contributed to increased mortality rates in certain SCI subgroups during the pandemic.

Study Limitations

1
Limited by the extent and type of data available in health administrative databases.
2
Unable to evaluate the reasons for death.
3
Focused on a fixed cohort of a community-dwelling SCI population in Ontario, limiting generalizability.

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