INVESTIGATE AND COMPARE GENDER-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN COPING MECHANISMS AMONG PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER USING THE MEANING-CENTERED COPING SCALE SCORES.

Introduction: Investigate and compare gender-specific differences in coping mechanisms among patients diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder using the Meaning-Centered Coping Scale scores. Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder affects 2-3% of the world's population. Evidence suggests significant gender-based differences in presentation and management. Currently, gender-specific differences in coping mechanisms have been seen as an important area of research. Their impact on treatment outcomes and quality of life remains understudied. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate and compare gender-specific differences in coping mechanisms among patients diagnosed with OCD using Mean-Centered Coping Scale (MCCS) scores. Methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study that was conducted at SKIMS Medical College and HospitalBemina's outpatient psychiatry department. Ethical clearance was taken. Confidentiality and privacy were taken care of. Fifty-five patients (38 females, 17 males) with confirmed OCD diagnoses were recruited and evaluated using the MINI 7.0.2 for diagnosis and MCCS, a 9-item scale measuring various coping strategies. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: In our study, males had significantly higher overall coping scores (M=28.3, SD=7.4) compared to females (M=25.9, SD=8.1; t=2.34, p=0.023) with a modest effect size (Cohen's d=0.31). A significant interaction between gender and education (F=2.76, p=0.038) was observed. Males demonstrated higher utilization of religious coping, problem-solving approaches, and social support networks compared to females. The mean age of 27.4 years (SD=8.2), with 74.5% from rural areas, was documented. Conclusion: Our study saw significant gender-based variations in coping strategies among OCD patients, with males showing higher adaptive coping scores. Educational level moderated the relationship between gender and coping mechanisms. Findings emphasize the importance of developing individualized, gender-sensitive approaches in OCD treatment.