The mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between stigma and quality of life among syphilis patients

Stigma is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of syphilis patients. Our study aimed to assess QOL in syphilis patients through a cross-sectional study design and examine the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between stigma and QOL. A survey using the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Impact Scale, the Medical Coping Modes Scale, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index was administered to 365 syphilis patients. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the relationship between coping strategies, stigma, and QOL. The QOL was correlated with stigma and coping strategies. Stigma score was positively correlated with QOL score (r = 0.613, P < 0.01). The score of confrontation coping was negatively correlated with QOL score (r = - 0.367, P < 0.01), while the score of resignation and avoidance coping were positively correlated with QOL score (r = 0.385, r = 0.290, P < 0.01). Our study revealed that coping strategy can significantly mediate the effects of stigma on the QOL of syphilis patients, with resignation being the strongest mediator (41.25%), followed by confrontation (29.85%) and avoidance (20.85%). The findings suggest that adaptive coping mitigates stigma's harm, whereas resignation exacerbates it. Healthcare providers should address stigma and promote effective coping strategies to improve QOL.