Quality Of Life And Mental Health Status Of Ghanaian Military Personnel Post-Peacekeeping Missions
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Date
2022-10-17
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University of Ghana
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Quality of life (QOL) is a broad multidimensional concept that includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life. The concept of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants have evolved since the 1980s to encompass those aspects of overall quality of life that can be clearly shown to affect health—either physical or mental. Military personnel face multiple stressors in their lives. Studies have reported that stress occurs from risky assignments or missions, the demand for physical fitness, problems in interactions with peers and those of higher rank, sleep deprivation from shift work, deployment and separation from family;and this stress affects mental health.
Objectives
Therefore, the objectives of the study were: What is the quality of life of Ghanaian military personnel having done international peacekeeping missions? What are the level of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS)s among Ghanaian military personnel having done international peacekeeping missions? What is the relationship between the quality of life and DASS among this Ghanaian military personnel on international peacekeeping missions?
Methods
Against this backdrop, this quantitative cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life of Ghanaian military personnel undertaking peacekeeping missions. In all, 259 military personnel of the 4th Infantry Battalion, Kumasi, Ghana who have been in peacekeeping missions within the past five years were selected to answer self-administered questionnaires. These questionnaires, being
the abridged WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) tool and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale, were used to assess their quality of life as well as emotional state.
Results
It was found that overall, the quality of life of these soldiers was high and thus they were satisfied with their quality of life. Widowed military personnel had a significantly lower quality of life as compared to those who were single. Compared to captains, military peacekeepers of lower ranks had a significant reduction in their overall quality of life.
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Keywords
Mental Health, Ghanaian Military Personnel, Post-Peacekeeping Missions