Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Older Adults With Visual Impairments

Abstract

Introduction: Vision impairment is a common health problem among older people that can affect many aspects of quality of life; several factors contribute to these effects. This study set out to assess the quality of life of visually impaired older people in the Marrakech-Safi region and to identify the factors that influence it. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between September 2021 and November 2022 among 290 visually impaired persons aged 60 years and over who consulted with ophthalmology services in the Marrakech-Safi region. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 was employed to evaluate quality of life. Clinical and ophthalmic data were taken from medical records. Sociodemographic data was obtained through participant questioning. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25 software. Results: The analysis found that older adults with visual impairments have a low quality of life; the more this deficit worsens, the lower the quality of life. Multiple regression presented that the main factors independently associated with quality of life of these people were age 70 years and over (RC = -5.09 ± 2.16; p = .019), female gender (RC = -5.34 ± 2.36; p = .025), low level of education (RC = 4.05 ± 1.80; p = .025), cardiovascular disease (RC = 9.34 ± 4.61; p = .044) and hearing impairment (RC = 6.56 ± 2.16; p = .003). Discussion: Older adults with visual impairments have a low quality of life, which is influenced by several factors such as advanced age, female gender, lower education level, and the presence of other co-morbidities such as cardiovascular diseases and hearing deficits. Implications for Practitioners: It is very important to take care of older adults with visual deficits while considering these factors, in order to preserve their quality of life at an advanced age and enable successful aging.