Physical Activity, Self-efficacy and Health-related Quality of Life among Adults with Visual Impairments

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between self-efficacy for exercise, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with visual impairments. Materials and Methods Adults with visual impairments were invited via email through two visual impairment organizations in the United States to complete four questionnaires: (a) the international physical activity questionnaire-short form, (b) the self-efficacy to exercise behaviors scale, (c) the medical outcomes study short form health survey, and (d) a demographic questionnaire. One hundred fifty-nine participants (Mage = 44.77) provided complete surveys for analyses. Data were analyzed using three components: (a) a descriptive analysis, (b) a confirmatory factor analysis, and (c) a test of a hypothesized structural model. Results Both self-efficacy and HRQoL were tenable among this population with two item removals. Self-efficacy had a direct association (β = 0.26), and an indirect association (β = 0.17) with HRQoL which was mediated by participants’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA was positively associated with psychological health (β = 0.17), but not with physical health. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that self-efficacy can both directly and indirectly, through MVPA, influence HRQoL among adults with visual impairments. This study supports the utilization of self-efficacy based interventions to promote physical activity and thus impact HRQoL among adults with visual impairments. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Adults with visual impairments tend to report lower health-related quality of life than peers without visual impairments. In this study, physical activity shows promise as an effective means to improving psychological health-related quality of life for adults with visual impairments. In this study, self-efficacy directly and indirectly, through physical activity, influences health-related quality of life for adults with visual impairments. Results support the utilization of self-efficacy based physical activity interventions to enhance physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults with visual impairments.