Coping strategies amongst patients with spinal cord injuries in Zimbabwe

Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the most common disabling neurological conditions managed by Occupational therapists in Zimbabwe. The coping strategies adopted by these SCI survivors and the factors associated with the adjustment have not been fully explored. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was done to determine the coping strategies used by SCI patients adjust to their condition. The Brief Cope Inventory and Spinal Cord Lesions Coping Strategies Questionnaire were used to gather data from SCI patients in three institutions that rehabilitate people with SCI in Zimbabwe. Ethical procedures were followed. Results: Forty three patients with SCI participated in the study. Seventy-seven percent were male and median age was 35 years (IQR 27-43). The most common cause of injury was road traffic accident (63%) followed by mining related falls. The most used coping strategies were religion (91%), acceptance (79%), positive reframing (70%) and use of emotional support (67%) which are all positive in nature. Least used coping strategies were substance abuse (2%), denial (7%) and behavioural disengagement (16%) which are all negative in nature. Male gender (p=0.034) and receiving rehabilitation at a rehabilitation centre (p=0.041) were associated with use of a positive coping strategy. Conclusion: SCI generally affect a young male population. There is a need to capitalize on the commonly used positive coping strategies and to support women and those in hospitals. There is also need to further explore factors associated with the coping strategies adopted so SCI survivors are assisted to cope positively with their injury.