ObjectiveTo discuss the effect of coping style on stress level of caregivers of patients with oral and maxillofacial tumor.

MethodsThe main caregivers of 157 hospitalized patients in the department of oral and maxillofacial head and neck oncology were selected as the study subjects.The general information, stress level and coping style of the subjects were investigated using the self-made general information questionnaire, relatives stress scale (RSS) and trait coping style questionnaire.

ResultsThe total score of RSS was 0-30 points, the score of positive coping of caregivers was 10-47 points, and the score of negative coping was 10-50 points.The total score of stress and three factors of caregivers were negatively correlated with the score of positive coping (P < 0.01), and positively correlated with the score of negative coping (P < 0.01).In the regression equation of caregivers' total score of stress, four variables including sex of patients and caregivers' negative coping score, positive coping score, whether it being necessary to accept psychotherapy, entered the regression equation (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe coping style of the main caregivers of patients with oral and maxillofacial head and neck tumor is the influencing factor of their stress level, and their coping style is relatively negative.Therefore, it is necessary to improve their coping style to promote the physical and mental health of themselves and the patients.