Self-motivation, functional ability and participation among stroke survivors' resident in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria

Background:Stroke is a leading cause of death both globally, and in Africa. The attendant effect of the stroke is disability, loss of function and psychosocial issues. Studies have been carried out on different rehabilitation outcomes such as participation, self-motivation and functional ability related to stroke survivors. There is however a dearth of studies exploring the relationships among self-motivation, functional ability and participation of stroke survivors, particularly in our African community.Objectives:Relationship among participation, self-motivation and functional ability of stroke survivors residing in Ibadan was investigated.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey which involved 44 consenting stroke survivors. Clinical and demographic information were documented. Self-motivation, functional ability and participation of the stroke survivors were assessed with the Self-Motivation Inventory, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke; and London Handicap Scale respectively. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Spearman Rank Correlation at p= 0.05.Results:There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the time since onset of stroke scores and participation (p= 0.02) and between the stroke survivors' functional ability and participation scores (p=0.001). Conversely there was no significant relationship between the participants' functional ability and time since onset of stroke scores (p= 0.62), between stroke survivors' self-motivation and time since onset of stroke scores (p= 0.41), between self-motivation and participation (p=0.80) and between self-motivation and functional ability scores (p= 0.80)Conclusions:Whereas self-motivation appeared non-related to functional ability and participation, a more exploration of the subject matter is still necessary for a conclusive inference to be drawn, especially in view of the sample size involved in this present study

Emotional Intelligence and Locus of Control of Adult Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Treatment

Background: This article investigates emotional intelligence and locus of control in an adult breast cancer population receiving treatment. Gaining insight into these constructs will contribute to improving breast cancer patients' psychological well-being and to reducing physical vulnerability to disease before and during treatment.Method: The researcher used an exploratory; descriptive and correlational approach. Nonprobability purposive sampling was employed. Sixty-seven breast cancer patients receiving treatment participated in the research. A biographical questionnaire; the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale; and the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale were used to measure the constructs explored in this article. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.Results: The sample yielded above-average levels of emotional intelligence and an internal locus of control. The results indicate a statistically and practically significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and locus of control. The significant association found between higher and lower emotional intelligence groups and internal and external locus of control groups also confirmed these results.Conclusion: Having an understanding of the psychosocial variables that impact on individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness; in this case breast cancer; can assist interventionists working in the field of positive psychology. While the stressors and challenges that breast cancer patients face are well documented; this article highlights the strength factors emotional intelligence and locus of control as important mediators in the treatment and management of breast cancer