The Impact of Maladaptive Coping Styles on Psychological Outcomes in Tuberculosis Patients

Background/Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which may be influenced by coping styles. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between coping mechanisms, psychological outcomes, and sociodemographic factors in TB patients. Methods: A total of 100 TB patients admitted to the Victor Babeș Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pneumophtisiology, Timișoara, were assessed using the COPE questionnaire for coping styles and the GAD7 and PHQ9 scales for anxiety and depression. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test analyzed the changes in the psychological scores between admission and discharge. Results: Multinomial and linear regression analyses identified the predictors of coping styles based on psychological and sociodemographic factors. Anxiety and depression significantly improved during hospitalization (PHQ9: p < 0.001, GAD7: p < 0.001). Social-support-focused coping showed the largest depression reduction (PHQ9: from 13 to 4), while avoidant coping had the lowest residual distress (PHQ9 = 0.5, GAD7 = 0). Age and marital status were significant predictors of problem-focused coping, with older and married patients being more likely to adopt this strategy (β = 0.08, p = 0.008). Coping styles significantly influence psychological outcomes in TB patients. Problem-focused coping was associated with better psychological recovery, while social-support-focused coping was linked to persistent distress. Conclusions: Integrating mental health screening into TB care and tailoring interventions to coping styles may enhance psychological resilience and potentially support treatment adherence, a relationship that should be further explored in future research.