Background

Although a multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing complex physical and mental health problems, it remains underutilized in managing chronic illness, mental health, and sense of coherence (SOC).

Objective

This study examines the psychological difficulties of individuals with chronic illnesses in Kosovo and explores the relationship between their SOC and coping capacity.

Methods

This study employed a mixed-methods design to capture both the scope and depth of the phenomena under investigation. The quantitative component included 799 participants, who completed a demographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the SOC scale. The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured interviews with 32 participants living with chronic illnesses, focusing on their experiences of coping, meaning-making, and perceived resources.

Results

Participants with chronic illnesses reported significantly higher SOC scores compared to those without chronic conditions (p = 0.04). At the same time, they exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological distress (p = 0.0001), including somatization (p = 0.0001), anxiety and insomnia (p = 0.0001), social dysfunction (p = 0.0001), and severe depression (p = 0.0001). Qualitative findings provided explanatory depth, indicating that the higher SOC observed among chronically ill individuals was largely attributed to the spiritual or religious engagement and a strong sense of responsibility toward caring for family and future generations.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the complexity of SOC among individuals with chronic illnesses, where cultural, social, and religious factors may simultaneously sustain coherence and contribute to psychological burden.