1
|
Frimpong R, Acheampong EY. "If You Don't Arrange Your Bets Well You Will Still Lose": Gambling Strategies of Visually Impaired Students. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:1679-1700. [PMID: 38311693 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have focused on people with hearing loss and intellectual disabilities engaging in gambling activities. However, people with visual impairments' energetic participation in sports betting activities is unexplored. This article highlights sports betting strategies of visually impaired students to understand how their motives affect their gambling behaviours as an alternative to their survival. Six male adults aged between 27 and 40 years participated using semi-structured interviews, which were conducted face-to-face, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed with the Braun and Clarke model. Findings show that sports betting prevails in communities fostering peer persuasion including family relations serving as an inducer for visually impaired students. Their strategies are varied including the fewer the better concept based on teams' selection dynamics. While they are inspired by potential economic gains, some recognise it as acquiring entrepreneurial skills because of risk-taking, thus asymmetry and disconnected. The article recommends stakeholders' education to provide better policies that can remind them to bet for leisure or desist from gambling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Sport, University of Education, Winneba, P. O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Ernest Yeboah Acheampong
- Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Sport, University of Education, Winneba, P. O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Higgins B, Taylor D, Crabb D, Callaghan T. Emotional well-being in Charles Bonnet syndrome: exploring associations with negative affect, loneliness and quality of life. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2024; 16:25158414241275444. [PMID: 39351142 PMCID: PMC11440537 DOI: 10.1177/25158414241275444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a condition characterised by the occurrence of vivid and complex visual hallucinations in individuals with visual impairment. Objective To explore the relationship between emotional distress and the perceived impact of CBS symptoms on participants' lives. We tested the hypothesis that heightened negative affect was associated with a more negative appraisal of CBS symptoms, increased self-reported loneliness, and poorer quality of life (QOL). Design Cross-sectional. Methods Participants recruited predominantly via vision-related charities rated their hallucinations and their impact on a Likert scale. Loneliness and negative affect were assessed with the Three-Item Loneliness Scale and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Health index (EQ-5D-3L) and vision-related QOL (VF-9) were also assessed. Correlation analysis and multi-variable regression determined the relation between survey responses. Results The majority of 126 respondents (81%) were aged 65+ years and 84% reported active CBS symptoms. Fifty-five percent of respondents rated impact of CBS as negative and no-one rated the impact as 'very pleasant'. A statistically significant correlation was found between impact of CBS and negative affect (p ⩽ 0.001; rho = -0.34) and impact of CBS and loneliness (p = 0.017; rho = -0.21). The relation between negative affect and CBS impact remained statistically significant when accounting for the impact of loneliness and the relationship between loneliness and CBS effect (p = 0.002, adj R 2 = 0.1). A statistically significant correlation between loneliness and negative affect (p ⩽ 0.001; rho = 0.55) was also found. Conclusion Respondents experiencing negative emotions were more likely to perceive the impact of CBS symptoms as negative and report greater feelings of loneliness. Negative affect is an important consideration when assessing people with CBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Higgins
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Deanna Taylor
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - David Crabb
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tamsin Callaghan
- NIHR Royal Free Clinical Research Facility, Research and Development, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, 02/62, Second Floor, Clinic Block, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sung C, Chung CH, Lin FH, Chien WC, Sun CA, Tsao CH, Weng CE, Ng DY. A Population-Based Cohort Study of the Association between Visual Loss and Risk of Suicide and Mental Illness in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101462. [PMID: 37239748 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychosocial and health consequences of ocular conditions that cause visual impairment (VI) are extensive and include impaired daily activities, social isolation, cognitive impairment, impaired functional status and functional decline, increased reliance on others, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, falls and fractures, poor self-rated health, and depression. We aimed to determine whether VI increases the likelihood of a poor prognosis, including mental illness, suicide, and mortality over time. In this large, location, population-based, nested, cohort study, we used data from 2000 to 2015 in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), which includes diagnoses of all the patients with VI. Baseline features, comorbidities, and prognostic variables were evaluated using a 1:4-matched cohort analysis. Furthermore, comparisons were performed using Cox regression and Bonferroni-correction (for multiple comparisons) to study the association between VI and poor prognosis (mental illness, suicide). The study outcome was the cumulative incidence of poor prognosis among the visually impaired and controls. A two-tailed Bonferroni-corrected p < 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Among the 1,949,101 patients enlisted in the NHIRD, 271 had been diagnosed with VI. Risk factors for poor prognosis and the crude hazard ratio was 3.004 (95% confidence interval 2.135-4.121, p < 0.001). Participants with VI had an increased risk of poor prognosis according to the sensitivity analysis, with a poor prognosis within the first year and first five years. VI was associated with suicide and mental health risks. This study revealed that patients with VI have a nearly 3-fold higher risk of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, and sleep disorders, than the general population. Early detection through comprehensive examinations based on increased awareness in the clinical context may help maintain visual function and avoid additional complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chieh Sung
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Huang Lin
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Chien-An Sun
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
- Big Data Research Center, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Huei Tsao
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Erh Weng
- Department of Nursing, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Daphne Yih Ng
- Department of Family Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chu HY, Chan HS. Loneliness and Social Support among the Middle-Aged and Elderly People with Visual Impairment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14600. [PMID: 36361480 PMCID: PMC9655996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep disturbance, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and it is a global public health problem. Since physical and mental health have a great impact on loneliness, middle-aged and elderly people who are blind or visually impaired may be more affected by loneliness. Previous research has confirmed that effective social support can enhance physical and mental health and alleviate the negative effects of life stress. Therefore, in this study, we applied a cross-sectional design where data were collected using questionnaires completed in person, by phone, or online for a total of 456 middle-aged and elderly people with visual impairment. We found that the enrolled participants who were unemployed, lacked a stable source of income, lived alone, or were unable to move independently were prone to experiencing high levels of loneliness and low social support, which highlights the necessity of interventions such as counseling to alleviate the sense of loneliness in such groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social support measures to reduce the sense of loneliness should be highly encouraged to ensure that middle-aged and elderly people with visual impairment can continue to live independently, and social support seems to be an important factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ying Chu
- Department of Living Services Industry, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan City 710, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Shan Chan
- Department of Applied Cosmetology, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan City 700, Taiwan
- Department of Special Education, National Tainan University, Tainan City 710, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gori M, Bertonati G, Mazzoni E, Freddi E, Amadeo MB. The impact of COVID-19 on the everyday life of blind and sighted individuals. Front Psychol 2022; 13:897098. [PMID: 36389583 PMCID: PMC9650307 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.897098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unexpected and unavoidable changes in daily life worldwide. Governments and communities found ways to mitigate the impact of these changes, but many solutions were inaccessible to people with visual impairments. This work aimed to investigate how blind individuals subjectively experienced the restrictions and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, a group of twenty-seven blind and seventeen sighted people took part in a survey addressing how COVID-19 impacted life practically and psychologically, how it affected their daily habits, and how it changed their experiences of themselves and others. Results demonstrated that both sighted and blind individuals had a hard time adapting to the new situation. However, while sighted people struggled more with personal and social aspects, the frustration of the blind population derived mostly from more practical and logistical issues. Likely as consequences, results showed that blind people engaged more in their inner life and experienced fear and anger as main emotions. This study suggests that changes in life associated with COVID-19 have been subjectively experienced differently based on the presence or not of blindness, and that tailored future interventions should be considered to take care of the different needs of blind individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gori
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bertonati
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
- DIBRIS, Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giorgia Bertonati,
| | - Emanuela Mazzoni
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
- PREPOS Studio Associato, Lucca, Italy
| | - Elisa Freddi
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Bianca Amadeo
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao X, Liu W, Lu B, Zhu X, Zhou M, Sun X. Visual impairment and depression in China: a 7-year follow-up study from national longitudinal surveys. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055563. [PMID: 35477885 PMCID: PMC9047878 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the longitudinal association between visual impairment (VI) and depression among adults 45 years and older in China based on a nationally representative follow-up dataset. SETTING Participants in China from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included. PARTICIPANTS A total of 6748 participants from two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011-2018 were included for analysis by age group. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES VI and depression were defined by self-diagnosis and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10, respectively. Lagged dependent variable regression models with ordinary least squares estimation were used to evaluate the association between VI and depression. Age was divided into three groups, that is, 45-54, 55-64, and 65 years and older, to explore the relationship between VI and depression in different age groups. RESULTS In our study sample, VI remarkably predicted an increase in depressive scores. The magnitude of depressive scores increased among those with VI points greater than 3.517 (β=3.517; 95% CI=2.697 to 4.331) points than those without VI in the 7-year follow-up. Significant relationships were also found between VI and depression in the three age groups in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION VI was associated with an increase in depression scores over a 7-year period. Female respondents, low educational attainment and high alcohol intake significantly predicted an increase in depressive status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Minwen Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bonsaksen T, Brunes A, Heir T. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Visual Impairment Compared with the General Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020619. [PMID: 35055443 PMCID: PMC8775682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: People with a visual impairment appear to have an increased risk of experiencing potentially traumatizing life events and possibly also subsequently developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the point prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment compared with the general population of Norway and examined factors associated with PTSD among people with a visual impairment. Methods: A telephone-based survey was administered to a probability sample of 1216 adults with a visual impairment. Of these, 736 (61% response rate) participated. A probability sample from the general population served as a reference (n = 1792, 36% response rate). PTSD was measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5), based on the currently most bothersome event reported from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). We used the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to categorize participants as fulfilling the PTSD symptom criteria or not. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was higher among people with a visual impairment than in the general population, both for men (9.0% vs. 3.8%) and women (13.9% vs. 8.5%). The prevalence rates of PTSD from the illness or injury that had caused the vision loss (men 3.9%, women 2.2%) accounted for a considerable part of the difference between the populations. For women, PTSD related to sexual assaults also contributed significantly to a higher PTSD prevalence in the visually impaired versus the general population (5.2% vs. 2.2%), while for men there were no other event categories which resulted in significant differences. Among people with a visual impairment, the higher risk of PTSD was associated with lower age, female gender, having acquired the vision loss, and having other impairments in addition to the vision loss. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment suggests that vulnerability to mental health problems is associated with serious life events. The higher incidence than in the general population is partly due to the illness or injury that had led to the vision loss and partly due to people with vision loss appearing to be more vulnerable through exposure to other types of potentially traumatizing events, such as sexual abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Social and Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Elverum, Norway
- Department of Health, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, 4306 Sandnes, Norway
- Correspondence:
| | - Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration-Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway; (A.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Trond Heir
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration-Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway; (A.B.); (T.H.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brunes A, Heir T. Serious Life Events in People with Visual Impairment Versus the General Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111536. [PMID: 34770048 PMCID: PMC8583190 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the lifetime exposure to serious life events in people with visual impairment compared with the general population. Data were derived from a telephone survey including a probability sample of 736 adults with visual impairment (response rate: 61%). The lifetime prevalence of direct experiences with seventeen different categories of serious life events (Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5)) were compared to that obtained from the general Norwegian population (N = 1792, 36% response rate). Altogether, 68% of people with visual impairment had been directly exposed to at least one serious life event, with equal rates among males and females (p = 0.59). The prevalence of serious life events was higher than for the general population (60%, p < 0.001), especially for fire or explosions, serious accidents, sexual assaults, life-threatening illness or injury, and severe human suffering. In conclusion, our results indicate that people with visual impairment are more prone to experiencing serious life events. This highlights the need for preventive strategies that reduce the risk of serious life events in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration—Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-97-578-629
| | - Trond Heir
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration—Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rokach A, Berman D, Rose A. Loneliness of the Blind and the Visually Impaired. Front Psychol 2021; 12:641711. [PMID: 34248743 PMCID: PMC8267375 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Loneliness has been termed a social epidemic, especially when experienced by people with disabilities. In order to better understand how loneliness is experienced in vulnerable populations, the present study compared the qualitative dimensions of loneliness of the blind and visually impaired with the general population not on the frequency or intensity of their loneliness, but on its qualitative aspects. One hundred and eighty-seven participants responded to a questionnaire which measured the qualitative aspects of loneliness on five subscales: Emotional distress, social inadequacy, Growth and discovery, social isolation, and emotional alienation. Results indicated that as expected, the two populations differed significantly in their scores on four of the five subscales (except emotional alienation), but in the opposite direction of what was expected. That may indicate that the visually impaired person's ability to transcend their blindness, and connect with those around them, and the larger society, in different-and not necessarily less meaningful-manner than the seeing general population. As expected, the visually impaired scored significantly higher than the general population on the Growth and development subscale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Rokach
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
van der Ham AJ, van der Aa HPA, Verstraten P, van Rens GHMB, van Nispen RMA. Experiences with traumatic events, consequences and care among people with visual impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder: a qualitative study from The Netherlands. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041469. [PMID: 33542039 PMCID: PMC7925917 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Having a visual impairment is known to be associated with an increased vulnerability to (potentially) traumatic events. Little is known about how people with visual impairment experience and process such events. This qualitative study aimed to provide more insight into experiences with traumatic events, consequences of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related care among people with visual impairment and PTSD. METHODS Eighteen persons with visual impairment and (a history of) PTSD were interviewed. Among them were 14 women and 4 men aged between 23 and 66 years. Recruitment of participants was done through health professionals from two low-vision service centres and a patient association for people with eye diseases and visual impairment in The Netherlands. Interviews focused on experiences with (1) traumatic events, (2) consequences of traumatic events and (3) PTSD-related care. Thematic content analysis of interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used to check for completeness and transparency of the study. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020. RESULTS The most commonly reported traumatic events were sexual and physical abuse. Many participants experienced that their impairment had negatively affected their acceptance by others, independence and self-esteem, increasing their vulnerability for traumatic events. Additionally, having a visual impairment negatively impacted participants' ability to respond to situations and aggravated post-traumatic stress reactions. Existing treatments seem suitable for people with visual impairment when accommodated to the impairment. CONCLUSIONS Having a visual impairment may affect traumatic events and post-traumatic stress reactions, particularly by contributing to low self-esteem, problems in social interactions and a lack of visual information. Insights from this study provide starting points for adapting pretraumatic and post-traumatic care to the needs of people with visual impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alida J van der Ham
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Innovation Knowledge, Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde P A van der Aa
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Innovation Knowledge, Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Verstraten
- Expertise Innovation Knowledge, Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Ger H M B van Rens
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Ophthalmology, Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
van der Ham AJ, van der Aa HP, Brunes A, Heir T, de Vries R, van Rens GH, van Nispen RM. The development of posttraumatic stress disorder in individuals with visual impairment: a systematic search and review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2021; 41:331-341. [PMID: 33481297 PMCID: PMC8049069 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem with a negative impact on quality of life. Little is known about the relationship between PTSD and visual impairment. According to diagnostic criteria for PTSD, vision loss in itself is generally not considered as a traumatic event. PTSD in people with visual impairment is more likely to be the result of traumatic events, which are not directly related, or are only indirectly related to, visual impairment. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe and discuss the literature on the development of PTSD in people with visual impairment. METHODS A literature search in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science was performed up to 15 November 2019 in collaboration with a medical information specialist. Additional search strategies included hand searches of references of retrieved papers and free-text hand searches in Google Scholar. Thematic content analysis of the extracted data was carried out in order to identify main themes and subthemes. RESULTS Findings from 13 articles are presented in a narrative manner along three main themes: (1) posttraumatic stress disorder; (2) traumatic events and (3) impact of traumatic events. People with visual impairments may be at higher risk of being exposed to certain potentially traumatic events. Limited/restricted access to situational information during events may contribute to the stressfulness of the experience. Furthermore, visual impairment may shape the impact of traumatic events. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests some unique experiences and challenges for people who are visually impaired. PTSD was prevalent in this population, and prevalence rates ranged from 4% to 50%. Future research may focus on gaining insight into the extent and burden of PTSD, and exploring help-seeking behaviour and treatment needs among those with visual impairment and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alida J van der Ham
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Pa van der Aa
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ger Hmb van Rens
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Ma van Nispen
- Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The role of social support in contributing to posttraumatic growth in persons with vision impairment. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2020. [DOI: 10.5114/hpr.2020.96896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
13
|
Brunes A, B Hansen M, Heir T. Loneliness among adults with visual impairment: prevalence, associated factors, and relationship to life satisfaction. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019; 17:24. [PMID: 30709406 PMCID: PMC6359849 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about whether and to what extent loneliness impacts the lives of people with visual impairment (VI). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with loneliness in adults with VI, and to examine its association with life satisfaction. Methods This cross-sectional interview study included a probability sample of 736 adults (≥18 years old) with VI who were members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. The interviews took place from January to May 2017, collecting information about sociodemographics, VI characteristics, adverse life events, loneliness (Three Item Loneliness Scale), and life satisfaction (Cantril’s Ladder of Life Satisfaction). The prevalence of loneliness was compared to data obtained from the general Norwegian population (N = 14,884; mean age 46.4 years; 50.7% females). Results The prevalence of moderate and severe loneliness in the VI population was 28.7% (95% CI: 25.4, 32.1) and 19.7% (95% CI: 16.9, 22.8), respectively. The rates were consistently higher across age groups compared to the general population. Loneliness was associated with younger age, blindness, having other impairments, unemployment, and a history of bullying or abuse. In addition, higher scores on loneliness were associated with lower levels of life satisfaction (fully adjusted β = − 0.48, 95% CI: − 0.55, − 0.41). Conclusions Loneliness is common in adults with VI. Strategies capable of reducing loneliness could improve life satisfaction among people who are blind or visually impaired. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12955-019-1096-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, PB 181 Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marianne B Hansen
- Norwegian National Unit for Hearing Impairment and Mental Health, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, PB 1039 Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, PB 181 Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian National Unit for Hearing Impairment and Mental Health, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, PB 1039 Blindern, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PB 1171 Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Siersma V, Køster-Rasmussen R, Bruun C, Olivarius NDF, Brunes A. Visual impairment and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2019; 7:e000638. [PMID: 31749968 PMCID: PMC6827812 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2018-000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether visual acuity impairment was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This is a 19-year follow-up of a cohort of 1241 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and aged 40 years or over. Visual acuity was assessed by practicing ophthalmologists both at diabetes diagnosis and after 6 years. The logarithmic value of the visual acuity (logMAR) was the exposure. Multivariable Cox regression models were adjusted for multiple potential confounders including cardiovascular disease, and censored for potential mediators, that is, fractures/trauma. Primary outcomes were from national registers: all-cause mortality and diabetes-related mortality. RESULTS Visual impairment at diabetes diagnosis was robustly associated with subsequent 6-year all-cause mortality. Per 1 unit reduced logMAR acuity the incidence rate of all-cause mortality increased with 51% (adjusted HR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.03) and of fractures/trauma with 59% (HR: 1.59; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.15), but visual acuity was not associated with diabetes-related mortality. After censoring for fractures/trauma, visual acuity was still an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.68; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.30). In contrast, visual acuity 6 years after diabetes diagnosis was not associated with the subsequent 13 years' incidence of any of the outcomes, as an apparent association with all-cause mortality and diabetes-related mortality was explained by confounding from comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Visual acuity measured by ophthalmologists in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was an independent predictor of mortality in the short term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Køster-Rasmussen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Bruun
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels de Fine Olivarius
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration–Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|