A preliminary Study On Living With Low Vision: Emotional And Psychosocial Experiences And Challenges Of Patients In A Tertiary Health Facility In Ghana

Abstract

Background: Low vision usually results in difficulties in independent mobility with associated emotional and psycho-social challenges and impairment in overall quality of life of sufferers. This study explored the psychosocial experiences and challenges of adult low vision patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Methodology: A qualitative exploratory research was conducted to explore the psychosocial experiences and challenges of patients at the Low Vision Clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Adult low vision patients aged ≥18 years were selected for a face-to-face
in-depth interview and a focus group discussion. An interpretive content analysis of the data was performed to identify themes and sub-themes from the respondent’s narrations.
Results: A total of 15 participants aged between 24 years and 75 years were involved in the study. There were 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 50.5± 17.9 years. Themes generated from the study include; emotional reactions, loss of hope in life, social support,
low vision rehabilitation and coping strategies. Emotional feeling, depression, fear of eventual blindness, dependency on family and society, difficulties in coping with low vision, loss of hope in life, lack of support from family and friends and reduced quality of life were found to be the most challenging psychosocial issues surrounding the low vision patient in their daily living. Burden of care and cost for rehabilitation of persons with low vision is borne by the individual and not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Conclusion: The NHIS could include basic and less expensive devices for improving the everyday lives of persons with low vision in the benefits package of the scheme. Structured counselling sessions should be included as part of the care package for persons with low
vision and role of the clinical psychologist in the care team is essential.