Health-related quality of life and related factors among older adults with visual impairments

• Published in: The British journal of visual impairment Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 183 - 193
• Main Authors: Siira, Heidi J, Falck, Aura AK, Kyngäs, Helvi A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2019
• Subjects: 15D; older adults; visual impairment; ophthalmic status; health-related quality of life
• ISSN: 0264-6196; 1744-5809
• DOI: 10.1177/0264619619839737

Aim was to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors among older adults with visual impairment (VI). A total of 39 independently living subjects aged ⩾65 years (83 ± 6.5), referred to the Low Vision Center of the Oulu University Hospital, Finland during one year participated in the study. The participants had low vision or blindness as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 15D, a generic HRQoL instrument, was used to assess the HRQoL, and an ophthalmic examination was performed to assess vision. A population-based control group (n = 1074) was available for comparison. The mean 15D index scores for the participants and the control group were 0.768 (SD = 0.089) and 0.827 (SD = 0.044), respectively, (p < .002). In the dimensions of move (p < .05), see (p < .001), breath (p < .05), usual activities (p < .001), depression (p < .05), and distress (p < .05), the study participants scored statistically significantly lower than the control group. However, the participants had better mental function scores (0.856 vs 0.773, p < .05). Among the participants, there was no difference in the 15D by gender (men 0.755, women 0.774, p > .05), habitation (alone 0.768, with someone 0.770, p > .05), or age (r = –.084), nor did the extent of low vision appear to affect the 15D index in this material. The older adults with VI had poorer 15D index score than Finnish population of equal age, but they scored better in the dimension of mental function. Mental skills may indeed be crucial for independent living despite VI.