Vision-related Quality of Life (VRQOL) and its determinants among the Elderly in rural blocks of Haryana, India

Background

Vision related quality of life (VRQOL) measures one's satisfaction with their visual ability to perform daily activities. Aging leads to vision impairment that can negatively affect VRQOL and physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Objective

To assess vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and its determinants among elderly residents from rural blocks of Haryana, India.

Method

This cross-sectional study was performed across 52 Indian villages. The vision-related quality of life scores was assessed using National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25(VFQ-25). Social Connectedness, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental Status Examination, and the Katz Index of Independence were collected using validated tools. Continuous data was represented as Mean (±SD) or median (IQR) depending upon their distribution. Categorical data as frequency (%). Bivariate analysis was done using Student t-test or Rank Sum test for continuous variables (for up to 2 groups) and One-Way ANOVA was run for continuous variables (for more than 2 groups). Chi-Sq. test or Fisher's for categorical variables and multivariable linear regression model was run to calculate the determinants of the VFQ composite score.

Result

Amongst the 420 participants, 58 % were females and 74 % were illiterates. The mean VR-QOL was 42.30 ± 11.19 in the study population. The study found higher VR-QOL scores in General Health, Distance activities, and Near activities, while lower scores were observed in Mental health, Dependency, Social functioning, Ocular pain, General vision, and Role difficulties. Both the mean VR-QOL composite score and the VR-QOL domains of General Health, General Vision, Ocular Pain, Role Difficulties, Mental Health, and Dependence were all greater for women than for men. Among the reported morbidities 26 % had hearing loss, 23 % were hypertensives, 9 % were diabetics, 85 % were dependent, 60 % had depression, 14 % had moderate dementia, 10 % had lower tendency to connect, 8 % had low vision and 35 % had vertigo. VFQ scores were lower among males, non-Hindus, hypertensives and among person with history of vertigo and those living in dim light than their counterparts.

Conclusion

The current study shows that VR-QOL is significantly lower in male, participants with history of vertigo, hypertension, diabetes and who live in dim light. There is a need to develop strategies to address these determinants through multidisciplinary approach including chronic disease management and environmental modification and promote healthy aging of elderly population.