Cognitive Functioning And Quality Of Life Among Stroke Patients In Ghana

ABSTRACT Stroke has been documented to be the second commonest cause of death, and a major disability in survivors. In sub-Saharan Africa, stroke is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in adults. There are a lot of challenges associated with stroke ranging from cognitive to behavioural changes as well as problems with perceived quality of life. The aim of the study was to examine the cognitive and behavioural changes as well as perceived quality of life of in individuals diagnosed with stroke in Ghana. One hundred (100) participants comprising 50 stroke patients and 50 aged matched healthy controls were recruited. Using a battery of cognitive tests and behavioral measures, data was collected at the Stroke Unit, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The results revealed statistical significant differences between the stroke patients and the healthy control group on the cognitive tests, the behavioural and the quality of life measures. Moreover, of all the variables, age of onset and level of education predicted cognitive functioning of respondents. Finally, among the stroke patients, there were significant positive correlations between; spirituality and anxiety, cognitive failures and depression, and, quality of life and cognitive tests; and negative correlations between spirituality and physical health, quality of life and depression and quality of life and cognitive failures. These results have implications for clinical management and research design in psychological studies involving stroke patients.