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Depression, Purpose in Life, Loneliness and Anxiety Among Patients with Substance Use Disorders in Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in Ghana

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Abstract

Substance use disorders are prevalent worldwide and may lead to a wide range of physical, psychological and emotional health problems in Ghana. There has been an increase in the use of illicit drugs in the past decade. The present study examined the relationships among depression, purpose in life (PIL), loneliness and anxiety with patients diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs) in Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in Ghana. This descriptive and correlational design was conducted among 200 patients using socio-demographic data, Beck Depression Inventory-II, PIL, Revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA) and beck anxiety inventory. Data were collected from April 15 to May 30, 2019 and were analyzed using spearman partial correlations, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and hierarchical regression. A total of 192 participants completed the survey instruments. The results revealed that purpose in life had a significant negative relationship with depression and anxiety. Depression had a significant direct correlation with anxiety. For loneliness, there was no difference between gender, but a significant finding was found among marital status. For all other dependent variables, purpose in life, depression and anxiety, there were no statistically significant findings. Purpose in life is the only predictor of depression of participants. These findings indicate that patients diagnosed with SUDs have additional psychological and mental health concerns. While treating SUD, mental health professionals should identify and manage those problems too. This may help better management plan for patients with SUD.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy, University of Cape Coast for funding the study (Grant No. RSG/GRP/CES/2018/10). The authors appreciate the study institution, Ankaful Psychiatric hospital and the study participants, for their cooperation in providing all necessary information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Educational Foundations, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Anthony K. Nkyi

  2. Department of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Jerry Paul K. Ninnoni

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  1. Anthony K. Nkyi
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AN conceived the study and was involved in the study design, reviewed the article, analysis, report writing and drafted the manuscript. JN was involved in the study design, analysis and drafted the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Anthony K. Nkyi.

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Nkyi, A.K., Ninnoni, J.P.K. Depression, Purpose in Life, Loneliness and Anxiety Among Patients with Substance Use Disorders in Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in Ghana. J. Psychosoc. Rehabil. Ment. Health 7, 263–271 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-020-00190-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-020-00190-9

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