Social Support Systems and the Self-Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana

There is a large body of literature on the role of social support systems in the management of chronic conditions in the West, with limited research on the sub-Saharan African and Ghanaian context. In the past, the organization and delivery of formal health services in Ghana were geared towards the treatment of infectious diseases rather than non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We conducted qualitative interviews with a sample of 33 NCD patients purposefully selected from two teaching hospitals in Ghana. The information they provided indicated that the most common types of support received were instrumental and emotional. While a majority of stroke patients experienced activity limitations related to bathing and cooking, they received the emotional support necessary to maintain their psychological well-being. Overall, we found social connections and relationships were an important strategy in the promotion of the physical and mental well-being of these NCD patients.