Level of disability in stroke survivors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Many stroke survivors in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana live with various degrees of disabilities. Insight into the level of disability and its determinants in stroke survivors has become very important. This study aimed to assess disability and determinants in stroke survivors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. METHODS : One hundred and eight community-dwelling stroke survivors undergoing outpatient physiotherapy rehabilitation were sampled for the study. The World Health Organization disability assessment schedule (WHODAS) questionnaire was used to assess the level of disability in the participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered to help assess the determinants of disability. Association between sociodemographics and disability, and clinical characteristics and disability were determined using chi-square/Fisher’s exact test. p values less than 0.005 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS : Most of the study participants were reported to have moderate to severe disabilities in their bodily function. Age, gender, marital status, and employment status were found to be associated with the level of disability in stroke survivors. CONCLUSION : Disability and its determinants in stroke need to be given much attention as disability affects the ability of stroke survivors to function independently.