Coping Strategies Questionnaire Research Articles

Predictors of food insecurity and coping strategies of women asylum seekers and refugees in Durban, South Africa

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of household food insecurity and the association between food insecurity and coping strategies among women asylum seekers and refugees in the city of Durban in South Africa.MethodsA coping strategy questionnaire was used to determine food security as this gives a good indication of what the women have to go through in order to provide safe and nutritionally sound meals to family members. The questionnaire also presents an indicator of food security, with a higher score indicating a higher level of food insecurity. Participants were recruited in the Durban city centre from church and community meetings and in their workplace. Data were collected from 200 women. Households were classified as food-secure and food-insecure groups for comparison purposes. Data were analysed on SPSS, version 23.0, for descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic and bivariate linear regression.ResultsThe results showed that 96.2% of the women were living in poverty (< US$1.9 per person per day). Only 8.0% of the women were food secure. Regarding the coping strategies, except for ‘sending children to the refugee pre-schools’ the number of coping strategies was significantly higher in the food-insecure group (p = 0.000). The number of people in the household, the unemployment status of the women and household income were predictors of poverty (R2 = 0.859, p = 0.000, SEE = 0.189). Larger household size, households spending between ZAR700 and ZAR900 on food monthly (OR 1.01; CI 0.26–4.56) and households purchasing food from street vendors (OR 4.02; CI 01.35–46.23) or informal community shops (OR 4.1; CI 0.42–40.22) were indicators of food insecurity.ConclusionThis study points to a serious problem of household food insecurity among black women asylum seekers and refugees in the city of Durban, South Africa. The food security status of this group of women can possibly impact on the nutritional status of the family unit and make the family vulnerable to disease and illness. This will place an additional burden on the government in providing healthcare services to refugees and asylum seekers.

Can muscle weakness and disability influence the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening in patients with knee osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo verify if the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening would be mediated by muscle weakness and disability in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in a hospital out-patient setting. Convenience sampling was used with a total of 50 participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Pain and the activities of daily livings (ADL) were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale. Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (CSQ) subscale. Muscle strength of knee extension and 30-s chair stand test (30CST) were also assessed. Path analysis was performed to test the hypothetical model. Goodness of fit of models were assessed by using statistical parameters such as the chi-square value, goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). ResultsThe chi-square values were not significant (chi-square=0.283, p=0.594), and the indices of goodness of fit were high, implying a valid model (GFI=1.000; AGFI=0.997; CFI=1.000; RMSEA=0.000). Pain was influenced significantly by muscle strength and ADL; muscle strength was influenced significantly by ADL via 30CST; ADL was influenced by pain catastrophizing. ConclusionThe relationship between pain catastrophizing with pain worsening are mediated by muscle weakness and disability.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for frequent attenders in primary care.

AimThe aim of the study is to investigate if cognitive behavioral therapy given in a group setting affects anxiety and depression, stress, pain, coping strategies during daily life, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), among frequent attenders (FAs) in primary care.MethodsCognitive behavioral therapy was offered to 331 FAs between 18 and 65 years of age, of whom 89 accepted and 54 completed all steps in the protocol; patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 0, 6, and 12‐month waiting time. The therapy consisted of 12 sessions administered in group format. Outcome measures were Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Everyday Life Stress (ELS), Coping Strategy Questionnaire, Multidimensional Pain Inventory‐Swedish version, and Short Form‐36.ResultsMean age among patients who completed cognitive behavioral therapy was 49.9 years, with a female majority (79.6%). Anxiety and depression scores were reduced after treatment (BAI 16.7 vs 13.6; BDI 16.3 vs 15.7; HADS‐Anxiety 8.41 vs 6.05; HADS‐Depression 7.09 vs 5.69). Because waiting time itself did not affect symptoms, differences reflect treatment effects. Stress ratings were not affected by treatment. Use of nonadaptive coping strategies like praying and hoping and catastrophizing decreased. Frequent attenders experienced a higher sense of life control. Frequent attenders reported significantly lower HRQoL than general Swedish population norms in all 8 Short Form‐36 domains including mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS), and all domains were unaffected by treatment.ConclusionCognitive behavioral therapy exerts some beneficial effects in FAs. Content of treatment addressed musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. This broad approach resulted in reduced anxiety, depression, and impact of pain because of enhanced life control.

Pain Coping Strategies and Their Relationship with Unpleasant Emotions (Anxiety, Stress, and Depression) and Religious Coping in Cancer Patients

Background: Coping strategies affect patients’ perceptions of pain severity, their ability to tolerate pain, duration of daily activities, and emotions. This study aims to determine the relationship between pain coping and unpleasant emotions, and religious coping in cancer patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study. Sampling was conducted from June to December 2016. During that period, 363 cancer patients referred to Omid Hospital in Mashhad city, Iran and 22 Bahman Hospital in Neyshabur city, Iran. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, religious coping scale, pain severity scale, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics that included chi-square and one-way ANOVA with SPSS v.16 software.Results: The majority of cancer patients (231; 63.6%) used the strategy of praying and hoping as their coping mechanisms. There was a significant difference between religious coping and pain coping strategies (P=0.02). Patients with mild depression most frequently used the praying and hoping strategy, whereas those with moderate depression more frequently used the catastrophic strategy (P>0.05).Conclusion: Designing and performing educational programs for coping with pain can be an effective solution for patients to improve their pain management, as well as control and cope with their illness. These programs would help increase patient quality of life and disease self-management, as well as decreasing psychological and communication problems.

Factors related to work ability and well-being among women on sick leave due to long-term pain in the neck/shoulders and/or back: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of sick leave, especially among women, in Western countries. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with work ability and well-being, respectively, among women on sick leave due to long-term pain in the neck/shoulders and/or back.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a correlational design was conducted on women who were sick-listed due to long-term pain in the neck/shoulders and/or back. A total of 208 participants responded to a survey comprising eight instruments: Multidimensional Pain Inventory scale, General Self-Efficacy scale, Sense of Coherence scale, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Work Ability Index and Life Satisfaction questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with work ability and well-being, respectively.ResultsWomen who more strongly believed they would return to the same work had greater work ability (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), whereas women with higher pain intensity (β = − 0.30, p < 0.001) and higher job strain (β = − 0.12, p < 0.05) had lower work ability. Women with higher self-efficacy rated greater well-being (β = 0.14, p < 0.05). As the women’s scores for depression increased, their well-being decreased by 48%, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The regression models for work ability and well-being were significant (p < 0.001), and their adjusted R- square values were 48% and 59%, respectively.ConclusionsThe study suggests that the factors beliefs to be back at the same work, pain intensity and job strain are predictive of work ability. Moreover, the factors self-efficacy and depression seem to be predictive of well-being. The findings highlight factors that should be considered by health care professionals and policy-makers to guide attempts to reduce sick leave.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Association of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among University Students

Prevalence of Stress, anxiety and depression has been identified to be high among university students which may affect their social and professional lives. The study aims at assessing the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression among university students and analyzes their association with gender, ethnicity and area of upbringing. The study also intends to identify their coping strategies. This was a cross sectional study utilizing validated questionnaires. It was conducted among a total of 143 university students in Johar bahru. The questionnaires used were the socio-demographic questionnaire, DAAS-21 questionnaire and Brief coping strategy Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was used. The mean age of the students under the study was 25.02±8.6 years. Depression was seen in 62.2% of the students and anxiety and stress were seen in 78.3% and 55.9 % students respectively. Depression, anxiety and stress were found more in females than males. Anxiety was more in Malays and depression and stress was more among other ethnic groups. Anxiety and depression were seen more in students with a rural upbringing and stress in students with a urban upbringing. There was no significant association between depression, anxiety, stress and gender, ethnicity and area of upbringing. The mean score for the common coping strategies employed which was acceptance, positive reframing and self distraction were 2.8±0.9, 2.8±1.0, 2.8±1.0 respectively. Prevalence of anxiety was more compared to stress or depression. Students used active coping Strategies to cope with stress.

Patterns in Vulvodynia Treatments and 6-Month Outcomes for Women Enrolled in the National Vulvodynia Registry—An Exploratory Prospective Study

BackgroundVulvodynia is a poorly characterized condition with multiple treatment options that have been described as largely ineffective in research settings. AimTo describe treatment patterns in women enrolled in the National Vulvodynia Registry and determine if there is an association between selected treatments and patient-reported outcomes such as pain, sexual function, and psychological distress after 6 months of treatment. MethodsParticipants completed questionnaires on general medical history and patient-reported outcomes using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Short Form-12 quality-of-life questionnaire, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The evaluation also included pain sensitivity assessment of the vaginal mucosa using a cotton-tipped applicator and the vaginal muscles using a single-digit. In this prospective cohort study, all measurements were collected at baseline and again at 6 months after treatment. OutcomesType of treatment, number of treatments, self-reported pain intensity, dyspareunia, and pain-related psychological distress measures are reported at baseline and 6 months. ResultsOf 344 women enrolled, 282 received treatment; 78 different treatments were identified and categorized by type (eg, topical, oral, physical therapy) and number. The most commonly used treatments were topical (85%, n = 241), physical therapy (52%, n = 147), and oral medications (45%, n = 128). Notably, 73% of participants received ≥2 treatments. There was no association between type or number of treatments and patient characteristics. At 6 months, women reported improvements in general pain (P = .001), pain during intercourse (P = .001), catastrophizing (P = .000), and anxiety (P = .000). The Short Form-12 quality-of-life questionnaire showed improvements in physical limitations (P = .024), emotional limitations (P = .003), well-being (P = .025), and social function (P = .010). However, all domains of the Female Sexual Function Index indicated worsening in sexual function (P = .000) except for pain. Clinical TranslationMulti-modal treatments were most commonly used in clinical practice and improvements in patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, distress, and pain were noted; however, participants who returned at 6 months continued to report poor sexual function. ConclusionsStrengths include a prospective and long-term study design that evaluated women in clinical settings. Limitations include a high rate of loss to follow-up for certain measures and inability to evaluate efficacy of individual treatments. In a setting where women were receiving highly specialized care, we found wide variation in the type and number of treatments used to treat vulvodynia. Despite this heterogeneity in treatment selection, women reported significant improvements in all study measures except sexual function.Lamvu G, Alappattu M, Witzeman K, et al. Patterns in Vulvodynia Treatments and 6-Month Outcomes for Women Enrolled in the National Vulvodynia Registry—An Exploratory Prospective Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:705–715.

Burnout and posttraumatic stress in paediatric critical care personnel: Prediction from resilience and coping styles

IntroductionOur aims were (1) to explore the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BOS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of Spanish staff working in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and compare these rates with a sample of general paediatric staff and (2) to explore how resilience, coping strategies, and professional and demographic variables influence BOS and PTSD. Materials and MethodsThis is a multicentre, cross-sectional study. Data were collected in the PICU and in other paediatric wards of nine hospitals. Participants consisted of 298 PICU staff members (57 physicians, 177 nurses, and 64 nursing assistants) and 189 professionals working in non-critical paediatric units (53 physicians, 104 nurses, and 32 nursing assistants). They completed the Brief Resilience Scale, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire for healthcare providers, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Trauma Screening Questionnaire. ResultsFifty-six percent of PICU working staff reported burnout in at least one dimension (36.20% scored over the cut-off for emotional exhaustion, 27.20% for depersonalisation, and 20.10% for low personal accomplishment), and 20.1% reported PTSD. There were no differences in burnout and PTSD scores between PICU and non-PICU staff members, either among physicians, nurses, or nursing assistants. Higher burnout and PTSD rates emerged after the death of a child and/or conflicts with patients/families or colleagues. Around 30% of the variance in BOS and PTSD is predicted by a frequent usage of the emotion-focused coping style and an infrequent usage of the problem-focused coping style. Discussion and ConclusionsInterventions to prevent and treat distress among paediatric staff members are needed and should be focused on: (i) promoting active emotional processing of traumatic events and encouraging positive thinking; (ii) developing a sense of detached concern; (iii) improving the ability to solve interpersonal conflicts, and (iv) providing adequate training in end-of-life care.

Perceived Stress Predicts Lower Physical Activity in African-American Boys, but not Girls.

The purpose of this study was to examine cross-sectional relationships of psychological stress, stress coping, and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Amer- ican-American (AA) boys and girls. A community-based sample of 139 AA adolescents (mean age 14.7 years; SD = 1.8 years; 64.7% girls; 30% obese) from Washtenaw County, Michigan was included in this analysis. Psychological stress was assessed using the Daily Stress Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Coping strategies were evaluated using the Schoolager's Coping Strategies questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively via accelerometry. Compared to boys, girls participated in approximately 13 fewer minutes of MVPA (p < .001) per day and reported significantly higher levels of daily stress (p = .03) and perceived stress (p < .001). In addition, girls reported using a greater number of coping strategies (p = .01) at a greater frequency (p = .04) compared to boys. However, perceived stress significantly predicted lower levels of MVPA (p = .03) in boys only. There are important gender differences in how AA girls perceive, experience, and cope with stress compared to AA boys. Although AA girls reported higher levels of stress and employed more coping strategies, perceived stress was associated with physical inactivity in AA boys, but not girls. Additional research is warranted to better understand the influence of stress on the choice to be physically active in AA youth.

Association of Pain Quality with Pain Catastrophizing and Self-efficacy in People with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Patients with chronic pain often have symptoms similar to neuropathic pain (NeP). Such symptoms are also frequently observed in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, pain quality may be related to psychological problems such as high pain catastrophizing and/or low self-efficacy. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether pain quality is associated with pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy in individuals with symptomatic knee OA. This was a cross-sectional study in which 50 subjects with symptomatic knee OA were enrolled. NeP scores were evaluated using the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), the pain catastrophizing scores were evaluated using the coping strategy questionnaire, and the self-efficacy scores were evaluated using the self-efficacy scale for rheumatoid arthritis (SERA). Participants were classified as members of the unlikely NeP group (PDQ score ≤12) or the uncertain/likely NeP group (PDQ score >12). The pain catastrophizing scores and the self-efficacy scores were compared between the two groups. Of the 50 participants, 17 (34%) were classified in the uncertain/likely NeP group. The pain catastrophizing score was higher for the uncertain/likely NeP group (6.2 ± 3.3) than for the unlikely NeP group (4.5 ± 2.8; P=0.03). On the SERA scale, the self-efficacy for pain score was lower for the uncertain/likely NeP group (21.9 ± 3.1) than for the unlikely NeP group (24.2 ± 3.1; P=0.03). High pain catastrophizing and low self-efficacy for pain control are significantly associated with the existence of an NeP component on PDQ in people with symptomatic knee OA.

Clinical and demographic variables associated with coping and the burden of caregivers of schizophrenia patients

ObjectiveTo analyse the relationship between burden of illness and coping strategies and the demographic variables of caregivers, and the demographic and clinical variables of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. MethodsMulticentre correlational cross-sectional study including 70 people diagnosed with schizophrenia, or a schizoaffective disorder, and 70 primary informal caregivers. They were evaluated using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, Family Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and the brief Disability Assessment Scale. ResultsBurden of illness positively associated with patient impairment in occupational and social functioning, and negatively with education level. Avoidance, coercion and positive communication were positively associated with impairment in occupational and social functioning of patients. Social interest and friendships showed a positive association with the education level of caregivers. Spiritual assistance negatively correlated with impairment in social functioning and patient age, and resignation was negatively associated with length of the disorder and patient education level. ConclusionsBurden and dysfunctional coping strategies, such as avoidance and coercion, are associated with functional impairment of the patient. These findings suggest the need to provide support to caregivers, adjusted to the functional level of the patient, in order to prevent burden of care.

Estrategias de afrontamiento ante el dolor y dificultades en la regulación emocional en estudiantes cordobesas con dismenorrea primaria

This study evaluates the relationship between coping strategies for pain and difficulties in emotional regulation used by university students with primary dysmenorrhoea in the city of Cordoba. A retrospective ex post facto design with a quasi-control group was used with 222 female university students between 17 and 28 years of age from different public and private academic units. They were administered the menstrual pain questionnaire, the visual analog scale (EVA), the pain coping strategies questionnaire (CAD), and the emotional regulation difficulties scale (DERS). The results show positive and significant correlations between some CAD and DERS factors, which show that there is a relationship between the strategies that women use to deal with dysmenorrheal pain and difficulties in emotional regulation.

Poor sleep is related to lower general health, increased stress and increased confusion in elite Gaelic athletes

ABSTRACTObjectives: Persistent poor sleep is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. Sleep is considered the main method of recovery in athletes; however, studies report that a significant number of athletes are getting insufficient sleep. The purpose of this study was to assess the sleep profiles of elite Gaelic athletes and to compare wellbeing in those with poor sleep and those with good sleep.Methods: 69 elite Gaelic athletes completed questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), the tension-anxiety, anger-hostility and confusion-bewilderment subscales of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as well as the catastrophising subscale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Participants were categorised into poor sleepers (PSQI ≥5) and good sleepers (PSQI <5) and outcome measures of health and wellbeing were analysed between the two groups.Results: 47.8% of athletes were poor sleepers. Self-reported sleep duration was 7.5 ± 0.6 h per night. 63.7% of poor sleepers took >30 min to fall asleep, compared to 5.6% of good sleepers. Poor sleepers had significantly lower general health (SHC) (p = 0.029), increased stress (DASS) (p = 0.035) and increased confusion (POMS-subscale) (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference between groups for number of painful body parts (NMQ) (p = 0.052), catastrophising (CSQ) (p = 0.287), overall mood (POMS) (p = 0.059), or POMS subscales of anger (p = 0.346) or tension (p = 0.593).Conclusion: Nearly 50% of elite Gaelic athletes report poor sleep. There is a significant relationship between poor sleep and lower general health, increased stress and increased confusion, and these factors may interact with each other. Monitoring of and interventions to enhance sleep may be required to improve athletes’ wellbeing.

Health and quality of life in patients with medication overuse headache syndrome after standardized inpatient rehabilitation: A cross-sectional pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with history of medication overuse headache (MOH) after detoxification and a headache-specific inpatient rehabilitation program and to receive necessary information for future prospective studies.HRQoL and headache-related disability were cross-sectionally measured by Short Form 36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Migraine Disability Score (MIDAS), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), and Symptom Checklist 90 revised (SCL-90-R). SF-36, HADS, and SCL-90-R data were compared to German population norms, stratified by age, sex, and comorbidities.Fifty-one patients (72.5% females, mean age 47.3 years) were included with an average headache duration of 25.3 years. Moderate to high levels of headache were reported on the MIDAS VAS at 6.51 (range 0–10); SF-36 bodily pain was 40.3 (norm = 59.0, P < .001, 100 = best). Impaired functioning averaged at 78.4 (100 = no impairment) on the MIDAS. In contrast, SF-36 physical functioning was comparable to the norm (mean: 78.4, norm = 81.8, P = .63). All other SF-36 scales were significantly lower than expected from the norm (all P < .001). The scales depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and interpersonal sensitivity were significantly affected, whereas the levels of SCL-90-R schizophrenia nuclear and schizotypia were not lower than the norm. Coping with pain was moderate.This pilot study is the first that presents a comprehensive and simultaneously specific assessment of health and quality of life of MOH patients after detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation. Moderate to high levels of pain and self-reported disability owing to headache were observed, whereas physical function on the SF-36 was not different from the expected level of the norm. Mental health was substantially affected in several dimensions, which had been described to reduce the ability to cope with pain. MOH patients seem to have high expectations of functionality, low symptomatology, and intact well-being.

Características del dolor, aspectos psicológicos, calidad de vida y estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con dolor de espalda crónico en una ciudad de Colombia

IntroductionChronic back pain is one of the principal causes of long term disability in middle age. Its consequences include decreased worker productivity and increased costs for affected individuals, their employers and society in general. ObjectiveDetermine coping strategies, characteristics of pain including psychological aspects, and quality of life in patients with chronic back pain. Materials and methodsFifty patients from three institutions providing physiotherapy services in the city of Sincelejo, were surveyed. A non-experimental descriptive cross type design was used; each participant underwent treatment with a pain characteristic assessment interview, along with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (QSC) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire Euroqol (EQ5D2). ResultsMost patients had a diagnosis of cervicalgia and low back pain. The perceived intensity of pain was generally moderate. The most frequently used coping strategies was praying and hoping and the least used was catastrophizing. Patients reported a high level of quality of life in terms of self-care and mobility scales. In addition, statistically significant relationships between current pain intensity and coping strategy to ignore it (positive) and between duration of pain and the coping strategy consistent of minimizing pain (negative) were established. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the use of strategies to ignore the pain increases with the intensity of the pain and reduces with longer duration. Additionally, pain perception is sensitive to age and experiences.

Hope, coping and psychosocial adjustment after spinal cord injury.

The study was a prospective, longitudinal design. The purpose was to explore the role of hope in the coping and psychosocial adjustment process following a spinal cord injury. The study was conducted at Spinal cord injury rehabilitation units in Queensland, Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand. This was a longitudinal study conducted in two SCI rehabilitation centres, one in Australia and one in New Zealand. A total of 47 participants with newly acquired traumatic SCI were administered a survey consisting of the Adult Hope Scale; the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale; the Centre for Epidemiology Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D); Life Satisfaction, Self-Rated Adjustment and Life Problems Subscales of the Life Situation Questionnaire and selected subscales from the Spinal Cord Lesion-related Coping Strategies Questionnaire (SCL-CSQ) and the COPE scales at 6 weeks post injury and 3 months post discharge. Hope levels and coping strategies remained consistent over time. Hope levels significantly and positively correlated with life satisfaction and self-reported adjustment, and negatively correlated with life problems. Hope levels also positively correlated with positive coping styles, including positive reappraisal, planning, acceptance and fighting spirit. Finally, hope levels negatively correlated with the negative coping strategies behavioural disengagement and social reliance. Hope and coping styles are likely to be determined by personality traits. The findings suggest that hope enhancing interventions should be explored as a means of improving outcomes for people with SCI.

Characteristics of pain, psychological aspects, quality of life and coping strategies in patients with chronic back pain in a city of Colombia

IntroductionChronic back pain is one of the principal causes of long term disability in middle age. Its consequences include decreased worker productivity and increased costs for affected individuals, their employers and society in general. ObjectiveDetermine coping strategies, characteristics of pain including psychological aspects, and quality of life in patients with chronic back pain. Materials and methods50 patients from three institutions providing physiotherapy services in the city of Sincelejo, were surveyed. A non-experimental descriptive cross type design was used; each participant underwent treatment with a pain characteristic assessment interview, along with the visual analog scale (VAS), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (QSC) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire Euroqol (EQ5D2). ResultsMost patients had a diagnosis of cervicalgia and low back pain. The perceived intensity of pain was generally moderate. The most frequently used coping strategies was praying and hoping and the least used was catastrophizing. Patients reported a high level of quality of life in terms of self-care and mobility scales. In addition, statistically significant relationships between current pain intensity and coping strategy to ignore it (positive) and between duration of pain and the coping strategy consistent of minimizing pain (negative) were established. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the use of strategies to ignore the pain increases with the intensity of the pain and reduces with longer duration. Additionally, pain perception is sensitive to age and experiences.

Posttraumatic growth in pediatric intensive care personnel: Dependence on resilience and coping strategies.

Staff in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) are inherently exposed to potentially traumatic events. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the occurrence of positive changes after experiencing a traumatic event. This study aims (a) to evaluate the prevalence of PTG in PICU staff, and whether their scores are different from those reported by professionals working in other pediatric units, (b) to explore the role of resilience and coping strategies in predicting PTG, and (c) to explore the relation of demographic and work-related variables with PTG. Participants of this multicentric, cross sectional study were 298 PICU workers and 189 professionals working in noncritical pediatric units. They completed the Brief Resilience Scale, a Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and provided demographic and work-related information. Of PICU staff, 68.8% experienced growth to a "great" or "very great" degree in at least one of the PTGI's dimensions. Higher PTG was reported following the death of a child or after a recent conflict with a work colleague. PICU workers and noncritical pediatric staff showed equivalent PTG levels. Multigroup path analysis with latent variables showed that emotion-focused coping was related to PTG only in PICU staff, whereas problem-focused coping was related to PTG in both groups. The relation between resilience and PTG was not significant. Work-related trauma can act as a catalyst for positive posttrauma changes. Modifying coping strategies may be a way to foster PTG in health care providers. (PsycINFO Database Record

Vulvodynia is not created equally: empirical classification of women with vulvodynia.

BackgroundVulvodynia classification is based on the sensory dimensions of pain and does not include psychological factors associated with the pain experience and treatment outcomes. Previous work has shown that individuals with chronic pain can be classified into subgroups based on pain sensitivity, psychological distress, mood, and symptom severity.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify distinct subgroups of women with vulvodynia enrolled in the National Vulvodynia Registry. We hypothesized that women with vulvodynia can be clustered into subgroups based on distress and pain sensitivity.DesignA cross-sectional study.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis using Ward’s cluster method and squared Euclidean distances to identify unique subgroups based on baseline psychological distress and pain sensitivity. The variables included the catastrophizing subscale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State Trait Anxiety Index-Trait scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire-Affective subscale, and vulvar and pelvic muscle pressure pain sensitivity.SubjectsEight sites enrolled women who presented with vaginal or vulval pain of at least 3-month duration.ResultsTwo distinct subgroups, high pain sensitivity with high distress (n=27) and low pain sensitivity with low distress (n=100), emerged from the cluster analysis. Validation indicated that subgroups differed in terms of clinical pain intensity, sensory aspects of pain, and intercourse pain.ConclusionEmpirical classification indicates that unique subgroups exist in women with vulvodynia. Providers should be aware of the heterogeneity of this condition with respect to pain-related distress and pain sensitivity.

PROGRAMA DE REHABILITACIÓN INTEGRAL EN PACIENTES CON DOLOR CRONICO DE ESPALDA: UN ESTUDIO DE CASO

La utilización de estrategias combinadas para el manejo de pacientes con dolor crónico, ha demostrado eficacia en su recuperación. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar la aplicación de abordajes psicológicos y fisioterapéuticos en la rehabilitación de un paciente masculino de 62 años con dolor crónico de espalda. Las estrategias fisioterapéuticas aplicadas se basaron en la aplicación de técnicas Tens, Ultrasonido, ejercicios de balonterapia, ejercicios isométricos e isotónicos, medios físicos, técnica de Mckenzy y ejercicios de cadenas cinética, las cuales se suministraron con una duración de 1 hora por cada sesión diaria, durante un periodo de 15 días y el efecto del tratamiento aplicado se evaluó mediante la valoración de problemas osteomusculares (OM). El tratamiento psicológico de acompañamiento se basó en un entrenamiento cognitivo conductual (ECC) suministrado con una periodicidad semanal; el nivel de mejora de vida del paciente fue medido con la escala de ansiedad Hamilton, y el cuestionario de estrategias de afrontamiento (CIQ) y Euro-gol. Las valoraciones fisioterapéuticas se aplicaron antes, durante y después del tratamiento, mientras que las valoraciones psicológicas se aplicaron antes y después, y demostraron una rehabilitación integral eficiente; disminuyendo el dolor crónico de espalda, aumentando la movilidad y mejorando la calidad de vida al disminuir los índices de dolor a la palpación y al movimiento, medida en escala numérica de Borg. Igualmente se observó disminución en el índice de discapacidad lumbar de Oswestry, disminución en los niveles de ansiedad y recuperación total del paciente lo que demuestra que la rehabilitación integral del paciente fue eficaz.