title: Symptom severity, social supports, coping styles, and quality of life among individuals' diagnosed with Ménierè's disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To (1) examine the quality of life of individuals with Ménierè's disease in relation to symptom severity, social supports, and coping styles and (2) develop a prediction model to identify factors most strongly associated with quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected using a web-based survey that included previously developed and validated measures (i.e. SF-12, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening Version, Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Brief COPES, Lehman's Quality of Life). Ninety-five individuals with Ménierè's disease who were members of one of five online Ménierè's disease support groups responded to the survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicated that symptom severity was negatively associated with patients' quality of life, social supports were positively associated with quality of life, and the use of negative coping styles (e.g. substance use, blaming) was negatively associated with quality of life. Four predictors (i.e. SF-12 mental health, dizziness severity, self-esteem support, and negative coping styles) accounted for 62% of the variance in quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that the factors associated with the quality of life of patients with Ménierè's disease are similar to those reported in the literature among patients with other chronic illnesses. The results also suggested that emphasis on psychosocial factors may be an important aspect of a comprehensive treatment intervention for individuals with Ménierè's disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA boothroy@usf.edu.
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Boothroyd
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Ménierè’s disease; coping styles; quality of life; social supports; symptoms