Big Five Personality Traits as Predictors of Quality of Life among Ischemic Stroke Patients: Evidence from a Nigerian Sample

Abstract

The influence personality traits have in shaping health outcomes has gained increasing attention in the field of psychology. However, research examining personality as a predictor of quality of life (QoL) specifically among stroke warriors in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study investigated the independent and joint influence of Big Five personality traits on quality of life among ischemic stroke patients in Southwestern Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of ex post facto type was adopted. One hundred and fifty-seven ischemic stroke patients (n = 157) were recruited from two Federal Medical Centres in Ogun and Ekiti States through multistage sampling. The Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) was used to assess personality traits and EuroQol-5D-5L measured quality of life. Multiple regression analysis was conducted at p < 0.05. Personality traits jointly and significantly predicted quality of life (R = .716; F(5,151) = 31.687; p < .05), accounting for 49.6% of the variance (Adj. R² = .496). Extroversion (β = .559, p < .05), openness to experience (β = .406, p < .05), neuroticism (β = .462, p < .05), and agreeableness (β = -.188, p < .05) were independent significant predictors. Conscientiousness (β = -.095, p > .05) did not independently predict QoL. Personality traits including extroversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, and agreeableness, are important determinants ad predictors of quality of life of stroke survivors.  It is recommended that personality assessment should be incorporated into the clinical management of stroke patients to aid recovery after stroke.