James Lo, medical student mentee of Dr. Yu-Ying Chen, recently received "AAP Best Paper Award" for their project titled "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Substance Use Behaviors in People with Spinal Cord Injury." The study aimed to understand the correlation between COVID-19 and substance use behaviors for people with spinal cord injury.
James came to UAB from The College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, through the AAP RREMS Scholarship. He plans to accept this outstanding award at the upcoming AAP 2022 Annual Conference, May 24-28, in New Orleans!
Background
What do we know about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on general population health?
- Direct: 248.78 Death per 100,000 population
- Indirect: Negative impacts
- “Minority groups are disproportionately affected by chronic medical conditions and lower access to healthcare that may portend worse COVID-19 outcomes.” (Tai, Shah et al. 2021).
- “Elevated levels of adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation were reported by adults in the United States in June 2020” (Czeisler, Lane et al. 2020).
Why do we study people with spinal cord injury (SCI)?
- “Associated with mobility limitations, susceptibility to pulmonary infection, need for personal care attendant, and regular equipment and health care use” (Kirshblum and Lin 2018).
- “At risk for substance abuse related to depression, anxiety, and chronic pain” (Czeisler, Wiley et al. 2021).
Research objectives
Analyzing data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Database, this study was conducted to examine differences in substance use behaviors, including the use of opioids, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, hallucinogens, sedatives/sleeping pills, and others, before and during the pandemic in people with SCI.
Also investigating the differences in substance use in the followings:
- Sexes
- Race/ethnic
- Neurological
- Geographic regions
Conclusions
- There was a significant increase in substance use behaviors during the pandemic regardless of sex, race, and neurological status.
- The South experienced a disproportionate difference when compared with the other three regions.
- Significant increase in opioid uses behaviors across many categories (e.g. sex, neurological), implying a potential worsening of the ongoing national opioids crisis during the pandemic.
- New knowledge gained from this study can inform the work of practitioners and policymakers as they design programs and support systems to help people with SCI and other disabilities cope with this severe public health crisis and prepare for future events.