2.2.5. Section V. Coping Strategies Scale

The scale was designed specifically for this study. The initial form of the scale included 43 questions to evaluate different coping strategies. The scale was evaluated by five referees to determine the suitability of its items (face validity). The percentage of agreement between the referees ranged from 80–100%. Accordingly, 20 items were deleted, resulting in 23 items in the final form of the scale, which were divided into five dimensions. The responses were graded according to three levels of the Likert scale (applies to me to a great extent = 3, applies to me to some extent = 2, does not apply = 1), and the statements were distributed randomly under different dimensions. The scores are calculated on each subscale. To estimate validity, reliability, and internal consistencies, the scale was applied in its initial form to a survey sample of 188 individuals (pilot study). The validity and reliability of the

coping strategies questionnaire have been confirmed by national and international studies, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.84.

#### *2.3. Statistical Analysis*

Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science, version 20, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Continuous data were expressed in the form of mean ± SD or median (range), while nominal data were expressed in the form of frequency (percentage). An independent sample *t*-test was used for continuous variables. A series of correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the predictors for the occurrence of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the relation between different coping strategies and depression or anxiety was studied using Pearson's correlation. *p* < 0.05 was considered significant.
