Studies indicate that head injuries account for a significant proportion of all surf-related injuries. Yet, despite these rates, the vast majority of surfers do not wear protective headgear. Noting both the high rate of head-related injuries and surfers’ reluctance to wear protective headgear, this sociological study sought to critically explore surfers’ perceptions and attitudes towards protective headgear, and specifically to explore why so few surfers wear protective headgear. To address these aims, the ethnographic techniques of participant observations and qualitative interviews were used. In total, 12 experienced surfers from the West Coast of Canada were interviewed and over 30 hours of participant observations were collected. The findings illustrate that surfers do not wear protective headgear for four main reasons: (1) due to the idea that protective headgear is uncomfortable and could hinder performance; (2) due to the perception that protective headgear is only for other surfers; (3) based on the belief that surfing is not a high-risk sport; and (4) because of aesthetic reasons and/or the appearance of protective headgear. Using the concepts of subcultural capital and edgework, the study demonstrates how larger socio (sub)cultural factors linked to risk, control, and status influence and underline the surfers’ rationalizations for not wearing protective headgear.
Introduction
Limited access to health care services and the self‐isolation measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may have had additional unintended negative effects, affecting the health of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Objectives
To examine the perceived influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals with SCI. First, this study looked to understand how the pandemic affected the use and perception of telehealth services for these individuals. Second, it investigated the effect of COVID‐19 on mental health.
Design
Cross‐sectional online survey.
Setting
Individuals with SCI living in the community in British Columbia, Canada.
Patients
This survey was offered to individuals with SCI and had 71 respondents, with 34% living in a rural setting and 66% in an urban setting.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures
Telehealth utility, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD‐7), Fear of COVID‐19 scale (FCV‐19S), and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD).
Results
Telehealth use in the SCI population has increased from 9.9% to 25.4% over the pandemic, with rates of telehealth use in urban centers nearing those of rural participants. Thirty‐one percent of respondents had probable depression and 7.0% had probable generalized anxiety disorder as measured by a score of ≥10 on the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively. The mean scores on FCV‐19S and PVD were 17.0 (6.6 SD) and 4.29 (1.02 SD), respectively.
Conclusion
Telehealth use during COVID‐19 has more than doubled. It is generally well regarded by respondents, although only a fourth of the SCI population has reported its use. With this in mind, it is important to understand the barriers to further adoption. In addition, higher rates of probable depression were seen than those estimated by pre‐pandemic studies in other countries.
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