The impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns on traumatic spinal cord injury incidence: a population based study

Spinal Cord, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-023-00939-6 · Published: November 2, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looked at whether the restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland affected the number of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs). They analyzed data from all patients admitted to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU) between January 2015 and August 2022. The study found that stricter lockdown levels were linked to a decrease in TSCIs, especially among people over 45 and males. However, there was an increase in TSCIs due to deliberate self-harm during these periods. The researchers suggest that lockdowns reduced risky activities that often lead to TSCIs, but also worsened mental health issues, leading to more self-harm. The findings can help with planning healthcare resources during future pandemics.

Study Duration

8 years

Participants

745 patients admitted to the QENSIU with a TSCI

Evidence Level

Natural experiment

Key Findings

1
Level 3 and 4 COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were associated with lower incidence of TSCI.
2
The associations were stronger in people aged over 45, males and non-tetraplegia.
3
The incidence of TSCI due to deliberate self-harm was higher during restrictions.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the incidence of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) in Scotland using time series analysis of admissions data from 2015 to 2022. The research found that stricter lockdown measures were associated with a reduction in overall TSCI incidence, particularly among older adults and males; however, it also revealed a concerning increase in TSCIs resulting from deliberate self-harm during lockdown periods. The study concludes that while lockdowns may have reduced TSCIs related to external activities, they also exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased self-harm-related injuries, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support during future pandemics.

Practical Implications

Resource Planning

The results of this study will be useful for resource planning in future pandemics.

Mental Health Support

Increased mental health problems and social isolation should be anticipated and targeted in future pandemics.

Economic Impact

The change in incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic may have an economic impact and see a temporary reduction in the burden on health and social care.

Study Limitations

1
People with a TSCI who died before being admitted to the QENSIU were not included in this study.
2
it is possible that other unknown or unmeasured interventions may have occurred at the same time as the intervention of interest
3
due to the relatively low incidence of TSCI it was not practical to stratify by age, sex, injury level or completeness of injury

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