Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic disabling condition that affects approximately 24 million people globally which translates into 1 in 300 people worldwide. Despite spirituality’s ability to bolster patient resilience, the exact role of spirituality in the recovery process of patients with schizophrenia is still unclear. This study aimed at assessing the role of spirituality in the quality-of-life of patients with schizophrenia in Ghana

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients aged 16 yrs and above who were already diagnosed of schizophrenia and attending out-patient unit of Korlebu Teaching Hospital and Accra Psychiatric Hospital. The Socio-demographic questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life brief Version (WHOQOLBREF) and the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ) were used. The domains of WHOQOL and total level of spirituality were presented in frequencies and proportions. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity marital status, religion and education were subjected to correlation at significance of 5%. All associations were subjected to linear regression at significance of 5% and 95% confidence interval.

Results: 102 participants were recruited. Age ranges from 16 to 70 yrs with a mean of 37.5 (SD13.3). 52.9% (54) were males and 47.1 % (48) were females. Participants had good level of spirituality with a mean score of 33.08(SD 4.82) All participants had good quality of life all the four domains (Physical mean score 67.59, psychological 68.37, social 73.37 and environmental 68.84). Spirituality positively correlated with physical domain (r(102)=0.249, p<0.05) and social domains of the WHOQOL (r(101)=0.366 p<0.05) respectively. It is also negatively correlated with psychological domain of the WHOQOL (r(101)=-0.202, p<0.05). Gender, ethnicity and educational level were predictors of spirituality (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Spirituality has association with specific domains of the quality of life of patients living with schizophrenia, and should be considered in planning care of patients as it may influence recovery process.