Vision-related quality of life and associated factors in individuals with vision impairment

Vision impairment (VI) limits the ability of affected individuals to achieve optimal functioning and impacts their quality of life.

This study assesses the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and its associated factors in individuals with VI.

The study was conducted at selected public hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa.

A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted between January and August 2023 across 29 public hospitals, utilising a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the participants' responses were analysed to assess their VRQOL.

The study sample consisted of 454 participants, 57.0% female. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 82 years. The mean composite score was 22.50 ±13.01 (range: 4.0-55.7). Factors associated with increased risk of poorer VRQOL included illiteracy (B: -10.32; p  0.001), primary level education (B: -6.81; p = 0.015) and male gender (B: -3.80; p = 0.003). Regarding VI severity and aetiology, blindness (B: -21.35; p  0.001), cataracts (B: -2.98; p = 0.015) and corneal diseases (B: -6.85; p = 0.005) were associated with risk of poor VRQOL. Conversely, employment (B: 12.76; p  0.001) and refractive error (B: 11.84; p  0.001) were associated with improved VRQOL outcomes.

The VRQOL among individuals with VI attending public hospitals in Limpopo province is relatively low. The main causes of VI were largely preventable or correctable, indicating the need to strengthen comprehensive eye care services. Enhancing these services may significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with VI in the province.Contribution: The study fills the knowledge gap regarding the impact of VI on VRQOL in individuals seeking care at public hospitals in Limpopo province.