Coping with chronic illness. Part I. Locomotor disability

A survey was undertaken to investigate the ability of 104 subjects with locomotor disability to cope in their homes. Factors which might affect coping, such as age, race, sex and type of disease, were assessed. Note was taken of support received from community-based organizations, ability to work and source of income. The majority of the subjects appeared to be isolated from health personnel after discharge from hospital and to be restricted to their homes. The deficits in the local health services which contributed to this situation are stressed.