“Am I different?” Coping and mental health among teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A qualitative study

Purpose: To explore the stressors, coping strategies, and mental health of adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Design and methods: This study adopted a descriptive qualitative study design. Twelve participants were recruited from a local non-government organization in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Verbatim transcriptions of interviews were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The guideline of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies was used to report the findings. Results: Five themes were identified: “Disease- and treatment-induced changes and stressors”, “Cognitive assessment and personal perceptions”, “Behavioral and emotional coping strategies”, “Social interactions and social support”, and “Deteriorating or thriving in psychological development and well-being”. Conclusions: Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis experienced a variety of physical and psychological stressors. It is imperative to prioritize efforts to promote adaptive coping and activate social support systems to achieve better outcomes in this population. Practical implications: Healthcare providers should aim to comprehend the experiences of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis for improved clinical interactions and holistic care. Future research should prioritize coping-based interventions, to enhance adaptive coping behaviors and the well-being of this population.