Influence of Spiritual Support Program on Quality-of-Life of Stroke Survivors Post Substance Overdose: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stroke survivors with a history of substance abuse often face challenges in their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a spiritual support program on the quality of life of this patient population.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the ICU ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Iran with stroke survivors who had experienced substance overdose. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 50) receiving a four-session spiritual support program or a control group (n = 50). Quality of life was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) scale at baseline and post-intervention, with data analyzed using SPSS version 25, including χ 2, Fisher's exact test, independent t-tests, and paired sample t-tests.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 37.89 ± 11.32 years in the control group and 38.66 ± 11.75 years in the intervention group. The cohort was predominantly male, with 52% of the control group and 54% of the intervention group being men. Most participants were married and employed, with a high prevalence of tobacco use. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean quality of life score between the groups (t = -0.123, p = 0.285). Post-intervention, a significant disparity was observed in the mean quality of life score between the groups (t = 1.995, p < 0.001). The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the mean quality of life score (t = 5.155, p < 0.001) and its dimensions post-intervention, while the control group did not show significant changes in quality-of-life scores (t = 1.104, p = 0.609).

CONCLUSIONS

The spiritual support program can improve the quality of life for stroke survivors with substance abuse histories, emphasizing the need for holistic, patient-centered care that addresses spiritual needs to enhance well-being and recovery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol has been registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20250204005).