Well-being, social cohesion and dietary intake of people living with non-communicable diseases: results from World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health, Ghana

Aaron K. Christian, University of Ghana
Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, University of Ghana
Grace Marquis, McGill University

Evident albeit scanty shows the negative impact of chronic disease (NCD) on the subjective well-being (SWB) of individuals. However, few studies have examined factors modulating the well-being of people living with NCDs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a nationally representative data, we explored the relationship between NCDs and SWB and selected modulating factors in Ghana . A quarter of respondents suffered from at least one NCD. Approximately 14% of these had taken neither medication nor treatment 2 weeks prior to data collection. Having an NCD negatively predicts SWB (p=0.001). After adjusting for possible confounders, odds ratios indicates that increased social cohesion, increased fruit intake, having secondary or tertiary education compared to no education-and being a Moslem improved significantly the well-being of individuals living with NCDs (p=0.001). The study buttresses the call for interventions to improve the social cohesion and fruit intake of people living with NCDs to enhance their well-being.