Cross Sectional Study on Well-Being and Coping Strategies of Low Vision Patients Visiting Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment significantly impacts individuals' lives, affecting their ability to perform daily activities and influencing their emotional well-being. The Global Burden of Disease study highlights vision impairment as a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of its impacts and the coping strategies employed by those affected. Objective: This study aimed to assess the functional and emotional impacts of visual impairment on patients' well-being and explore the coping strategies used by individuals with low vision. The association between the severity of visual impairment and its impacts, alongside the effectiveness of various coping mechanisms, was examined. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Low Vision Department of a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital over six months. A total of 400 participants diagnosed with low vision were recruited through internal and external referrals. Data were collected using the Impact of Visual Impairment (IVI) tool and the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI), alongside demographic information. The IVI tool assessed functional and emotional well-being, while the CSI evaluated the coping strategies employed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on mean scores and the significance of differences across demographic and clinical variables. Results: The study found that the severity of visual impairment was significantly associated with worse functional (Mean±SD: 28.33±14.86) and emotional (Mean±SD: 14.92±7.14) well-being scores (P<0.001). Participants over 30 years and those residing in rural areas experienced a greater impact of visual impairment. Notably, employment status significantly correlated with the degree of impact, with unemployed individuals reporting higher functional and emotional distress. Avoidant coping strategies were linked with greater emotional distress, while problem-solving and seeking social support showed a mixed impact on patients' well-being. Conclusion: The severity of visual impairment adversely affects both the functional abilities and emotional well-being of individuals, with avoidant coping strategies exacerbating these impacts. Encouraging active coping mechanisms and enhancing support systems could mitigate the negative effects of visual impairment on patients' lives. These findings underscore the need for holistic approaches in the care and support of individuals with low vision.