Saudi Journal of Nursing and Health Care (SJNHC)
Volume-1 | Issue-01 | 15-30
Original Research Article
Educational Program To Improve Quality Of Life in Elderly patients with Visual Impairment
Eman Shokry Abd–Allah, Shimaa Badie Mahmoued Gad Zahra, Amany Rashad Abo El-Seoud
Published : March 10, 2018
Abstract
Background: Visual impairment can have a significant effect on an
individual’s functioning and their interaction with their physical and social
environments and it is associated with disability and poor quality of life. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program to improve the quality
of life (QoL) in elderly patients with visual impairment. Design: A quasiexperimental pre test-and-post test design was utilized. Setting: The study was
conducted at the ophthalmology outpatient clinics and ophthalmology department at
Zagazig University Hospitals. Sample: Aconsecutive sampling technique of 70
elderly with visual impairment who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Tools:Two
tools were used to collect the study data: I) A structured interview questionnaire
consisted of five parts. II) Low Vision Quality Of Life (LVQOL) , The study was
conducted through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation phases.
Results: The study results revealed that the duration of visual problems ranged
between 1.0 and 26.0 years, mostly bilateral (64.3%), and had negative impacts on
their life (92.9%). Elderly had deficient related knowledge, with low Quality of Life
(QoL) and high dependency in DLAs. The educational program was effective in
improving their knowledge, QoL and independence in DLAs . Conclusion: The
findings emphasize the importance of well-designed patient education programs.
Recommendation: Further research is suggested to explore the effectiveness of
multiple-approach nursing interventions in improving the QoL of elderly with visual
problems.