scholarly journals Exploring the patient perspective of fatigue in adults with visual impairment: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e015023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Schakel ◽  
Christina Bode ◽  
Hilde P A van der Aa ◽  
Carel T J Hulshof ◽  
Judith E Bosmans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Research Question ◽  
External Support ◽  
Future Research

ObjectivesFatigue is an often mentioned symptom by patients with irreversible visual impairment. This study explored the patient perspective of fatigue in visually impaired adults with a focus on symptoms of fatigue, causes, consequences and coping strategies.SettingTwo large Dutch low vision multidisciplinary rehabilitation organisations.Participants16 visually impaired adults with severe symptoms of fatigue selected by purposive sampling.MethodsA qualitative study involving semistructured interviews. A total of four first-level codes were top–down predetermined in correspondence with the topics of the research question. Verbatim transcribed interviews were analysed with a combination of a deductive and inductive approach using open and axial coding.ResultsParticipants often described the symptoms of fatigue as a mental, daily and physical experience. The most often mentioned causes of fatigue were a high cognitive load, the intensity and amount of activities, the high effort necessary to establish visual perception, difficulty with light intensity and negative cognitions. Fatigue had the greatest impact on the ability to carry out social roles and participation, emotional functioning and cognitive functioning. The most common coping strategies were relaxation, external support, socialising and physical exercise and the acceptance of fatigue.ConclusionsOur results indicate that low vision-related fatigue is mainly caused by population specific determinants that seem different from the fatigue experience described in studies with other patient populations. Fatigue may be central to the way patients react, adapt and compensate to the consequences of vision loss. These findings indicate a need for future research aimed at interventions specifically tailored to the unique aspects of fatigue related to vision loss.

Transporting People with Visual Impairments: Knowledge of University Campus Public Transportation Workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-164
Author(s):  
Danene K. Fast ◽  
Tiffany A. Wild
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Bus Drivers ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Independent Travel

Introduction: To support independent travel skills and accessibility for people with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision), this research acknowledges bus driver perceptions of visual impairment and investigates how bus drivers interact with visually impaired travelers who ride public transportation. Methods: This study utilized the Social Responsibility about Blindness Scale and a researcher-created instrument to explore how bus drivers interact with visually impaired travelers. Results: Fifty-five drivers participated in this study, with 94.55% of these drivers reporting that they have had experiences interacting with visually impaired passengers. The top concern drivers reported was ensuring these passengers located the correct stop (26.56%). Using Likert-type scale ratings to assess driver knowledge and role in assisting passengers with vision loss, overall mean average of driver knowledge was 3.33 ( SD = 1.09, V = 1.23), indicating, as a whole, driver knowledge was in the range of “unsure/don’t know.” Discussion: Although many campus area bus drivers have experience interacting with passengers who are visually impaired, the attitude of drivers toward visual impairment is varied, and their knowledge of visual impairments is limited. Implications for practitioners: Based on results, drivers recognize that accommodations may be needed for passengers with vision loss, and they have an interest in learning how to assist passengers who are visually impaired who ride campus transportation. Based on this outcome, in-service training for drivers to address interactions and accommodations for passengers with vision loss may be warranted within public transportation operations.

scholarly journals Could coronavirus 2019-infected disease patients get cope with the treatment?: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 880
Author(s):  
Fery AM Mendrofa ◽  
Umi Hani ◽  
Yuni Nurhidayat
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Psychological Aspect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Depth Interviews

A pandemic of a novel coronavirus-infected disease is currently ongoing in the world. Most patients have to be isolated due to the treatments. This study aimed to make sense of how patients with coronavirus-infected disease understand and experience infectious isolation. The research used a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Data collection was conducted with in-depth interviews of nine patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) confirmed who had been in the isolation room. The analysis was conducted on interview transcripts by organizing keywords found into categories, sub-themes, and themes based on Colaizzi's approach. The results indicated that the participants experienced fright due to the isolation and attempted to integrate their isolation experiences. Isolation highlighted a sense of threat posed by cross-infection, a threat that participants experienced as originating from others and from themselves to others. Participants described feeling changes experienced after several days of treatment. Participants reported various symptoms of the disease and received careful care while in isolation. They still communicate with family. Isolated patients are able to deal with the treatment by improving their coping strategies. Participants reported the most support from their families, even from a distance. Future research could explore experiences of isolation from family and staff perspectives and identify the psychological aspect in caring for the COVID-19 patients.

Luminance Contrast of Accessible Tactile Indicators for People With Visual Impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-15
Author(s):  
Aldyfra Luhulima Lukman ◽  
Catherine Bridge ◽  
Stephen John Dain ◽  
Mei-Ying Boon
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Luminance Contrast ◽  
Safety Standard

Australia is one of only two known countries with a safety standard specifying levels of contrast required to provide accessible environments for people with visual impairment. However, these requirements were not developed based on empirical research involving people with vision loss. We investigated whether the level of luminance contrast in Australian accessibility standards, 30%, is adequate for people with visual impairments to detect and identify discrete tactile ground surface indicators over a range of contrasts with the background flooring before contact. We found that the 30% luminance contrast is adequate for people with low vision, although they preferred higher contrast.

Development and Standardization of an Alienation Scale for Visually Impaired Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
pp. 427-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poonam Punia ◽  
Sandeep Berwal
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Cultural Estrangement ◽  
Visually Impaired Students ◽  
Context Specific

Introduction The present study was undertaken to develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring a feeling of alienation in students with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision). Methods In this study, a pool of 60 items was generated to develop an Alienation Scale for Visually Impaired Students (AL-VI) based on a review of the literature and discussions with colleagues and experts in the field. The items were organized into six dimensions of alienation, namely powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, social isolation, self-estrangement, and cultural estrangement, and were rated on the five-point Likert scale. The standardization of the scale was completed with 118 students with visual impairments in the age group of 10 to 25 years, selected randomly from specialized and inclusive schools in the state of Haryana, India. Results The item analysis was done by calculating t- and r-values; seven items were deleted, and a final 45 items were retained. The calculated value of Cronbach's alpha and split-half correlation came out to be 0.87 and 0.86, respectively. The construct validity was determined by computing the coefficient of correlation between scores of this scale and the scores obtained by using the Student Alienation scale (SAS) of R. R. Sharma (Sharma, 2012). The percentile norm for the scale was determined after verifying normality of the scores by using a Q-Q plot. Discussion The findings of the present study suggest that the AL-VI may serve as a useful tool in future research to assess alienation in persons with visual impairments in India. The findings further demonstrate that the AL-VI produced scores that are reliable and valid. The AL-VI can be used outside India after determining its reliability and validity in context-specific conditions. Implications for practitioners The AL-VI scale is applicable to students with visual impairments, teachers of students with visual impairments, principals, social workers, psychologists, and rehabilitation professionals. Practitioners could use this tool for assessing and understanding the level of alienation among students with visual impairments, thereby helping them in planning and executing strategies for remediating alienation.

scholarly journals Causes of vision impairment and assessment of need for low vision services for students of blind schools in Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Kansakar ◽  
HB Thapa ◽  
KC Salma ◽  
S Ganguly ◽  
RP Kandel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Childhood Blindness ◽  
Vision Assessment ◽  
Low Vision Rehabilitation ◽  
Vision Rehabilitation ◽  
One Year

Background: The present study is first of its kind to evaluate causes of visual impairment of blind students in Nepal and assess their need for low vision rehabilitation services. Aim: To evaluate causes of vision impairment of students enrolled in blind schools in Nepal and assess the need for low vision rehabilitation services in these students. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted in 12 blind schools in Nepal, which were registered with Nepal Association for Welfare of Blindness (NAWB).It was conducted by a team of an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, by using standard eye examination protocols of the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness Program (WHO/ PBL). Results: Of the 345 students enrolled in 12 schools, 285 students were examined (response rate of 82.61%). The students were in the 5 - 29 years age group. Nearly three-fourth of the children had become blind within one year of age and 52.3% visually impaired at birth and 20.7% developed vision impairment within one year of age. After refraction, 26 students (9.12%) had mild visual impairment, 21 students (7.37%) had severe visual impairment and 238 students (83.51%) were blind. The main cause of vision impairment was found to be corneal 35.79% and retina diseases, mainly dystrophy, 20.35% followed by problems with the whole globe, lens and optic nerve, accounting for 13.33%, 12.63% and 12.98% respectively. The major etiological factors were those of childhood such as Vitamin A deficiency, measles and similar causes (42.11%) followed by hereditary causes (25.26%). Of the total students examined, 48.07% were visually impaired due to preventable causes and 16.14% treatable aggregating to 64.21% of avoidable blindness. Fifty seven (28.22%) students could read smaller than 2 M print size after low vision assessment for near and 33(15.78%) students benefited with telescopic trial for distance low vision. Conclusion: In Nepal, renewed focus on providing best possible quality of life for visually impaired children by proper low vision assessment and eye health education focusing on, general public and community health workers, with governmental and institutional support is required to achieve Vision 2020 objectives to decrease childhood blindness. Key words: childhood blindness, Nepal, blind school study, low vision, vision impairment    doi: 10.3126/kumj.v7i1.1764       Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2009), Vol. 7, No. 1, Issue 25, 44-49        

Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation Needs of Nursing Home Residents

1995 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Horowitz ◽  
E. Balistreri ◽  
C. Stuen ◽  
R. Fangmeier
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Staten Island ◽  
Rehabilitation Training ◽  
Orientation And Mobility ◽  
Rehabilitation Needs

This article reports on the prevalence and rehabilitation needs of visually impaired residents of nursing homes, based on optometric examinations of 136 residents of a nursing home in Staten Island, NY. The results indicate that about half the residents were at least moderately visually impaired and almost one-third were potential candidates for low vision assessments, or rehabilitation training, or orientation and mobility services.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Causes of Visual Impairment in an Elderly Chinese Uygur Population in Southern Xinjiang

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yi Sun ◽  
Guangming Jin ◽  
Mengting Yang ◽  
Jing Fu ◽  
Xueyi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Elderly Chinese ◽  
Uygur Population ◽  
Southern Xinjiang

Purpose. To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and major causes of visual impairment (VI) in an elderly Chinese Uygur population in southern Xinjiang. Methods. This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Participants aged 50 years and older from Haohan Country, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, were enrolled from August 2018 to December 2018 using cluster sampling. Participants underwent examinations including presenting visual acuity (PVA), pinhole vision, slit-lamp, intraocular pressure, and direct ophthalmoscopy. Participants’ education and demographic information was collected by a questionnaire. The prevalence, risk factors, and major causes of vision loss were evaluated. Results. A total of 1465 participants (85.4% response rate) were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 59.1 ± 9.7 years. The prevalence of mild VI, moderate VI, severe VI, and blindness in the better eye was 13.3%, 12.8%, 2.9%, and 3.4%, respectively. The prevalence of low vision and blindness in this study was higher than that in Altay & Tacheng and Changji in northern Xinjiang, lower than that in Luxi, and similar to that in Tibet. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with low vision and blindness ( P ≤ 0.001 , < 0.05 , 0.002 , respectively). The major causes of low vision were cataract (42.6%), refractive error (19.6%), and glaucoma (12.6%), whereas the primary causes of blindness were cataract (34%), glaucoma (34%), and retinitis pigmentosa (10%). Conclusions. VI is an important public health issue among elderly Uygur individuals in the area, especially for those with low education levels. Cataract is the leading cause of low vision and blindness.

scholarly journals Meaning and inconsistencies of meaning – exploring the perspectives of Norwegian veterans in Afghanistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Lien ◽  
Kristian Firing ◽  
Mons Bendixen ◽  
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
Finding Meaning ◽  
Self Worth

Abstract This qualitative study explores the meaning-making process of veterans to address the positive aspects of military service in international operations. Thirteen veterans from a Force Protection Unit in Norway were interviewed about their deployment to Afghanistan. A thematic analysis revealed three main themes reflecting meaningful aspects of the service. “Confirmation of ability” refers to finding meaning by coping with stressful situations and being recognized for it. “Cohesion of peers” refers to finding meaning by belonging to a team and giving mutual support within the team, such as backing up each other and caring. “Significance of effort” refers to finding meaning by seeing their efforts as a contribution, as well as by receiving recognition and gaining status for their efforts. The analysis also revealed accompanying themes of inconsistencies, which in turn activated different coping strategies. The findings have been substantiated through a functional exposition of meaning: purpose, value, efficacy, and self-worth, as advocated by Baumeister (1991), and are discussed in the context of previous research and a theoretical concept of meaning making. Steps for future research are proposed.

Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments Share Experiences and Advice for Supporting Students in Understanding Graphics

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Penny Rosenblum ◽  
Li Cheng ◽  
Carole R. Beal
Keyword(s):  
Student Teaching ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Systematic Instruction ◽  
Mathematics Problems ◽  
Field Of Vision ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Visually Impaired Students

Introduction Knowing how to gather information from graphics and to use that information to solve mathematics problems is an important skill. Prior research indicates that many students with visual impairments face considerable challenges when attempting to locate information in math graphics. Little is known about how teachers of students with visual impairments support their students in acquiring graphics skills. Methods Eleven teachers of visually impaired students participated in focus groups. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Themes were identified. Results The teachers described the importance of individualizing instruction for the student, teaching a systematic approach, and ensuring that graphics are clear to them. Discussion From an early age, visually impaired students need explicit instruction in how to access information in graphics. The use of prescribed low vision devices, manipulatives, and systematic instruction are integral to student success, as are the design and production of clear and accurate graphics. Implications for practitioners Teachers of visually impaired students utilize a variety of strategies to support students in accessing information in graphics. A curriculum and guidelines to assist them in supporting a wide range of learners would be valuable to the field of vision loss.

Self-Perception and Locus of Control in Visually Impaired College Students with Different Types of Vision Loss

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Archie W. N. Roy ◽  
Gilbert F. MacKay
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Control Test ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Positive View ◽  
Different Types

This study used the Twenty Statements Test (TST), a locus of control test, and open-ended questions to elicit responses from 16 college students who were blind or had low vision. A generally positive view of self emerged, but negative TST responses focusing on disability also occurred and sometimes were associated with deteriorating vision loss and recency of onset. Locus-of-control responses were highly external across the group.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document