An Evaluation of the Coping Strategies of Medical Residents in Kenya

Abstract

Coping has been demonstrated as the critical determinant of mental health among medical residents. No study has quantitatively evaluated the coping strategies of medical residents in Kenya. This study, therefore, sought to assess the coping strategies of medical residents in Kenya. The BRIEF Cope was used. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional online survey among medical residents in Kenya. The validated study tool consisted of the Brief-COPE. Stratified sampling technique was used with a sample size of 283 calculated. Descriptive statistics were analyzed into proportions. Adaptive coping strategies were more utilized. The most commonly used adaptive coping strategies were acceptance (mean 69.96, SD 22.41), planning (mean 69.15, SD 22.84), positive reframing (mean 67.81, SD 22.42), and religion (mean 62.40, SD 26.96). The most commonly used maladaptive coping strategies were self-distraction (mean 61.33, SD 21.38), venting (mean 55.04, SD 19.25) and self-blame (mean 52.52, SD 21.82). Adaptive coping strategies were used more than maladaptive ones. The most commonly used adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies were acceptance and self-distraction respectively. Policy formulation to promote utilization of adaptive coping strategies among medical residents in Kenya.