Coping strategies used by people with spinal cord injury: a qualitative study.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative.

OBJECTIVES: Although using coping strategies have an important role in the adaptation process and quality of life following spinal cord injury (SCI), there is still trivial information about this issue in the world and especially in Iran. The purpose of this study was to explore coping strategies used by Iranian patients with spinal cord injuries.

SETTING: The Brain and Spinal injury Repair Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and the Protection Center of spinal cord disables, Iran.

METHOD: Eighteen patients with SCI were interviewed deeply. Data were concurrently analyzed, using the content analysis method.

RESULTS: During the data analysis, three coping strategies, including seeking help from religious beliefs (understanding the disease as a divine fate and as a spiritual combat), hope and making efforts towards independence/self-care appeared.

CONCLUSION: Understanding strategies that influence the patients' coping with the SCI will contribute to the nursing body of knowledge. It also helps nurses and other health-care professionals as well as the families in reinforcing the most effective coping strategies and promoting the quality of care. Such coping strategies also can help patients to achieve a greater sense of empowerment.