Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of resilience in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder that presents significant physical and psychosocial challenges throughout life. In chronic conditions that may result in physical disability such as OI, resilience and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity may influence how individuals experience and manage these challenges. Objectives: This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of resilience among adults with OI. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 271 English-speaking adults in the United States with a self-reported OI diagnosis. Participants completed the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), demographic questionnaires, and questionnaires on clinical experiences, pain, and psychosocial factors. Results: Response trends demonstrated medium (45%) to high (42%) levels of resilient coping. Sociodemographic Factors: Resilience was lower among those with some postsecondary education but no four-year degree, and higher resilience was associated with not having family history of OI. Clinical Factors: Increased resilience was linked to better self-rated physical health, exercise for pain management, use of assistive mobility devices, higher lifetime number of fractures and surgeries, and lack of acute pain. In a multivariate regression, use of exercise, better perceived physical health, and episodes of acute pain lasting 6 months or less emerged as significant independent predictors of resilient coping. Conclusion: Resilience in OI is influenced by diverse psychosocial, educational, and behavioral factors. These findings highlight the complexity of resilience in chronic conditions and disability and identify factors that may be relevant for future intervention.