The impact of visual impairment and other risk factors on health‐related quality of life among people living in retirement homes in Armenia

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: The study aimed to examine the effect of visual impairment, eye diseases and other risk factors on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in retirement home residents in Armenia.Methods: The survey was conducted among 313 beneficiaries from retirement homes. Interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire explored socio‐demographic characteristics of participants, presence of chronic non‐communicable diseases, depressive symptoms, HRQoL, smoking, physical activity, receiving and giving instrumental and emotional social support, sleeping disorder, and adverse life events. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted to assess participants' visual acuity and presence of eye diseases.Results: The mean age was 72.5 years. Women constituted 50% of the sample. About 28% of participants reported depressive symptoms. The prevalence of normal vision was 49%, mild/moderate and severe visual impairment was 46%, and blindness was 5%. Uncorrected refractive errors were found in 20% of participants. In the adjusted linear regression model, presence of chronic non‐communicable diseases (β = −11.3; CI: −15.3; −7.39), physical activity (β = 15.3; CI: 9.04; 21.5), sleeping disorders (β = −5.58; CI: −10.2; −0.96), receiving emotional support (β = 0.09; CI: 0.01; 0.17) and giving instrumental support (β = 0.17; CI: 0.08; 0.25), presence of depressive symptoms (β = −11.7; CI: −16.0; −7.46) and uncorrected refractive errors (β = −9.15; CI: −17.3; −1.04) were associated with HRQoL.Conclusions: This study found high prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors, visual impairment and blindness among people in retirement homes. Regular eye screening programs and distribution of spectacles could improve eye health in the target population. Promote healthy behaviours including regular physical activity to enhance HRQoL. A focus on people with chronic non‐communicable diseases and depressive symptoms is warranted.