1. To determine the functional level of patients receiving care at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Stroke Unit.
2. To determine patients’ perceived family support system and health-related quality of life.
3. To determine the participant’s degree of satisfaction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital's stroke unit's post-stroke care.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with the heaviest burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Ghana, stroke incidence and mortality are rising, yet little is known about survivors’ satisfaction with care, an important determinant of long-term outcomes, adherence, and reintegration. This study evaluated patient satisfaction with post-stroke care at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana’s largest referral facility, and identified factors driving the survivor experience.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 stroke survivors from the KBTH Stroke Unit. Data were collected with validated tools: the Barthel Index, Dutch Satisfaction with Stroke Care Questionnaire, and the Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients (HRQoLSIP-40). Statistical analysis (SPSS v21) explored associations between patient characteristics, functional independence, quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction levels.
Participants were predominantly male (61%), with most (61%) living with stroke beyond six months. Moderate functional independence was observed in 65%, demonstrating persistent support needs. Mean QoL score was 15.28, reflecting substantial unmet needs. Despite this, nearly 70% of patients reported being satisfied with care. Satisfaction was strongly associated with QoL (p < 0.001), whereas functional independence and family support were not significant predictors.
Survivors’ satisfaction with post-stroke care in Ghana is closely tied to quality of life rather than physical recovery alone. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, patient-centered stroke services across LMICs, integrating psychosocial rehabilitation and culturally responsive support. This study offers rare, data-driven insights from sub-Saharan Africa, contributing valuable evidence to inform global neurology on equity, quality, and post-stroke recovery.