Investigating the relationship between coping, quality of life and depression/anxiety in patients with external fixation devices

Abstract

Few studies have explored psychosocial factors affecting depression, anxiety and quality of life (QOL) among adults with external fixation devices (EFDs). This cross-sectional study investigated whether maladaptive and adaptive coping and locus of control predicted these outcomes. Forty-seven participants, recruited from online support groups, completed an 86-item online questionnaire. Maladaptive coping e.g. denial, self-blame, substance-abuse and behavioural disengagement significantly predicted high anxiety and depression and lower psychological and social QOL. Adaptive coping e.g. active-coping and acceptance predicted higher psychological QOL. Results emphasise the importance of supporting EFD patients in developing adaptive coping strategies during, but also after, fixation.