African cultural values in the biopsychosocial-spiritual care model to manage psychological symptoms in adults with sickle cell disease in Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examined whether African cultural values promise psychological health of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Ghana. Using simultaneous equation modelling and survey data from purposively sampled 220 adults with SCD, we tested the usefulness of an African-enhanced biopsychosocial-spiritual model, thereby filling the gap of absence of a culturally relevant management model for patients. The study revealed that the model holistically predicts the psychological health of the patients better than single therapy models. Social support and ritual-centred Africultural coping significantly benefitted women than men and reduced psychological symptoms among those with HbSS. We conclude that an African-centred Biopsychosocial-spiritual model is more helpful in managing SCD patients. We further settle that some African cultural values are significant moderators in coping with psychological issues in sickle cell illness. This research distinctively contributes theoretical, methodological, and cultural knowledge to clinical practice and research from an African cultural perspective.