Abstract:
Literature on the application of the biopsychosocial model for the management
and explanation for chronic pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) and other chronic
disease abound. However, there is limited research on the use of the
biopsychosocial model, together with a spiritual component (biopsychosocial spiritual model). The study investigated the extent to which health-care
providers utilised the biopsychosocial-spiritual model in the management of
chronic pain to improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients with SCD. This
study employed descriptive survey design involving a consecutive sampling of
261 patients with SCD. A researcher developed instrument for the
biopsychosocial-spiritual model, the World Health Organisation Quality of
Life BREF and the spirituality rating scale were used for the data collection.
Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations,
frequencies and percentages) and partial least square structural equation
modelling. The study found that health-care providers utilised the biological
domain of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model more than other domains. The
study also found that the level of QoL as well as spirituality of patients with
SCD was quite high. A significant negative impact of spirituality on QoL was
also found. Finally, biosocial domain of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model
was the most significant predictor of QoL. It was recommended that policy makers should train health-care providers to integrate the psychosocial spiritual component as well as health practitioners should consider utilising
this components in their treatment regime. It also recommended that
authorities should intensify sickle cell education in other to strengthen
awareness
