DefinePK

Research Objective

To validate the Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) scale among Pakistani house-job doctors and investigate its factor structure in this population.

Methodology

A sample of 315 house-job doctors from Lahore, Pakistan, was recruited using purposive sampling. The study employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to initially test Carver's factor structure, followed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to determine the factor structure in the Pakistani sample. The Professional Life Stress Scale (PLSS) was used to assess discriminant and construct validity. Reliability was assessed using the split-half method and Cronbach's alpha.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Recruit 315 House Job Doctors] --> B[Administer COPE Inventory and PLSS];
    B --> C[Perform Confirmatory Factor AnalysisCFA];
    C --> D[CFA results show poor fit?];
    D -- Yes --> E[Perform Exploratory Factor Analysis EFA];
    D -- No --> F[Report CFA findings];
    E --> G[Identify Three-Factor Solution PFC, EFC, AC];
    G --> H[Assess Reliability and Validity];
    H --> I[Analyze Intercorrelations and Associations with Stress];
    I --> J[Interpret Findings in Cultural Context];
    J --> K[Draw Conclusions and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The study found that the original COPE factor structure did not fit the Pakistani sample, necessitating an EFA. The identified three-factor structure (PFC, EFC, AC) is consistent with some previous research but differs in the specific subscales loading onto each factor compared to Carver et al. (1989). PFC was found to be an adaptive coping strategy, while EFC and AC were considered maladaptive. Religious coping was identified as a frequently used strategy in this population.

Key Findings

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed a poor fit for Carver's original factor structure. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified a three-factor solution: Problem-Focused Coping (PFC), Emotion-Focused Coping (EFC), and Avoidant Coping (AC). The scale demonstrated good psychometric qualities, including high reliability and validity. PFC was negatively associated with perceived stress, while EFC and AC were positively associated with stress.

Conclusion

The study provides an empirically valid and approved factor structure of the Brief COPE for Pakistani house-job doctors, suggesting that cultural diversity should be considered when applying the COPE. This validated structure can be reliably used by Pakistani researchers to assess coping skills in healthcare professionals.

Fact Check

* A sample of 315 house-job doctors was recruited. (Confirmed in text)
* Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed a poor fit with indices like CFI = .67 and RMSEA = .13. (Confirmed in text)
* Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified three factors: Problem-Focused Coping (PFC), Emotion-Focused Coping (EFC), and Avoidant Coping (AC). (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map