Investigation of coping strategies for individuals with upper extremity peripheral nerve injury

The study was planned to determine the coping strategies of individuals with upper extremity peripheral nerve injury and to investigate the effects of hand injury severity scores, demographic properties and functional status on coping strategies. The Turkish version of COPE and semi structure interview used to determine coping strategies. We used The Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS) was used to classify injury severity and, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (The DASH) and 9 Hole Peg Test to evaluate functional status and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) to evaluate sensory problems. Additionally, grip and lateral pinch strength were noted. The study sample comprised of 29 individuals (22 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 36.62 ± 13.87 years. The study showed that individuals with peripheral nerve injuries in different demographic, functional and physical conditions used many different coping strategies mostly active coping strategies. There was a negative correlation between COPE and DASH (r= -0,42; p: 0.02). It was determined that coping strategies of individuals decreased as their sensory problems increased. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between SMWT and COPE -R (r = 0.46; p: 0.01). There was no statistically difference between smoking and alcohol use with COPE - R (p> 0.05). There was no statistically difference between hand injury severity score and 9-Hole Peg Test with COPE - R (p> 0.05). The coping strategies that help prevent stress caused by sensory - motor and psychosocial problems after peripheral nerve injury should be evaluated in detail by occupational therapists and the strategies which are determined should be included in the intervention plans of individuals.