Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) often lacks a clear etiology. While autoimmune and allergic factors can trigger it, stress and life events also play significant roles. As in other psychosomatic disorders, effective stress coping strategies are key to understanding and managing CSU. This study examined how stress coping strategies relate to biomarkers and disease severity in adolescents with CSU. METHODS: Sixty-five adolescents aged 12-18 years with CSU and 65 healthy controls were recruited. Both groups completed the Turkish-adapted Coping Strategies Scale. Sociodemographic data and relevant biological parameters were obtained from the CSU group at admission. Disease severity was assessed using the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) and the Urticaria Control Test (UCT). Demographic data and coping scores were compared between the patient and control groups, with additional gender-based comparisons in the CSU group. Regression analysis determined how biological factors and coping strategies explained disease severity. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in overall sociodemographic data or stress coping abilities between the patients and healthy groups. However, male CSU patients showed stronger coping skills than the healthy cohort (p = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed that female gender and higher eosinophil levels were linked to poorer control scores, indicating an interplay between biological factors and psychosocial processes (Std. Bs -0.335 (p = 0.016), -0.256 (p = 0.006)). CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the need for a biopsychosocial approach in adolescents with CSU. Integrating stress management with targeted biological interventions may enhance treatment outcomes and long-term disease control.