An experimental study was conducted at a hand rehabilitation center to examine the effects of three informational-motivational audiotapes in reducing psychological distress and in promoting active rehabilitation compliance among low-acculturation hand-injured male Latino laborers. Early program predictors of rehabilitation compliance 4 to 6 weeks hence were also considered. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant Group x Time interaction on the measures of anxiety and depression. For this sample of injured Latino laborers the Spanish language audiotapes produced a significant reduction in distress in the intervention versus the control subjects, although the audiotapes did not influence compliance behavior. A subsequent multiple regression analysis identified an elevated level of state anxiety as a significant early program predictor of noncompliance over a 4 to 6-week period of program participation. External agents such as co-workers, attorneys, and family were postulated as external sources of social influence which may promote or hinder active participation in a hand rehabilitation program. A model for examining the combined influences of all these factors was suggested.

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human coping behavior immigrant stress Multivariate Analysis rehabilitation psychological aspect therapy patient compliance hand injury audiovisual equipment injury