The impact of COVID-19 on military personnel with illnesses and injuries participating in parasport recovery programs
Oral Presentation C1.2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.650Keywords:
Disability, Mental Health, Military, Sport, Well-BeingAbstract
Background: Among those most vulnerable to the negative effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as social distancing, were individuals with physical (e.g. amputation, cancer) and mental (e.g. post-traumatic stress) illnesses and injuries. Purpose: This study examined the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on military personnel with physical and mental illnesses and injuries participating (i.e. competitors) or seeking to participate (i.e. non-competitors) in a competitive parasport recovery program. Methods: In May, August, and November 2020, measures assessing the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 were added to English-language surveys as part of international longitudinal research examining the impact of parasport for military personnel post-injury and illness. Data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, repeated measures ANOVA, and content analysis. Results: Participants [n=135; competitors n=56] represented 5 countries. Some participants coped with COVID-19 by engaging in positive health behaviors (e.g. seeking connection, relaxing), while others coped with negative health behaviors (e.g. drinking, smoking, eating higher fat or sugary foods). Half of participants experienced delays or cancellations in mental health appointments. Non-competitors demonstrated significantly more perceived stress than competitors (p<.05) despite no significant difference in physical activity participation during COVID-19. Conclusions: As countries end COVID-19 restrictions, attention should be paid to individuals with traumatic illnesses and impairments who had changes in access to physical and mental health programs during the pandemic. Funding: Funding provided by Forces in Mind Trust, a £35 million funding scheme run by the Trust using an endowment awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Celina H. Shirazipour, Julia Shabanian, M. Blair Evans, Emily Mayhew, Amy E. Latimer-Cheung, Alice B. Aiken
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