Exploring Social Participation Among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada

Noémie Fortin-Bédard, Naomie-Jade Ladry, David Bouchard, Caroline Rahn, Jaimie Borisoff, Shane N. Sweet, Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos, François Routhier and Krista L. Best ()
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Noémie Fortin-Bédard: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Naomie-Jade Ladry: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
David Bouchard: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Caroline Rahn: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Jaimie Borisoff: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Vancouver, BC V5G 3H2, Canada
Shane N. Sweet: Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, ON M5S 2W6, Canada
François Routhier: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Krista L. Best: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC G1M 2S8, Canada

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Introduction : The COVID-19 pandemic challenged people with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding a variety of mental and physical issues. New challenges may arise as the effects of the pandemic continue. The objective of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the social participation of Canadians with SCI during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods : Participants with SCI from two Canadian provinces (Quebec and British Columbia) were interviewed. Results : Eighteen participants completed interviews. The facilitators of social participation remain similar since the first wave of COVID-19, such as the use of technology, help received by relatives, and the use of delivery services to obtain groceries and other essentials. Obstacles to mobility due to winter conditions and lack of considerations related to COVID-19 public health measures specific to wheelchair users were also discussed by participants. Conclusions : People with SCI perceived participation restrictions, little changes in life habits, and uncertainty about the future during the second wave of COVID-19. The unique living conditions of people with SCI, ability to adapt life habits, and the lived experiences of people with SCI may have contributed to an overall resilience during the pandemic. Adaptive families, social contacts, and technology made a difference during the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; spinal cord injury; manual wheelchair; social participation; rehabilitation; social support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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