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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Open Access 01-12-2005 | Research

Prevalence and burden of self-reported blindness and low vision for individuals living in institutions: a nationwide survey

Authors: Antoine Pierre Brézin, Antoine Lafuma, Francis Fagnani, Mounir Mesbah, Gilles Berdeaux

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2005

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of self-reported low vision (LV) and blindness, and their associated disabilities, handicaps and socio-economic consequences for individuals living in institutions are poorly documented.

Methods

2,075 institutions were selected at random and eight individuals were picked at random from the list of residents. Three groups of individuals were defined: blind, LV, and a control group (CG). These were compared after adjustment for age and co-morbidities. Of the 15,403 individuals, 14,603 interviews (94.9%) were completed.

Results

The prevalence of blindness was 1.6% and the LV 13.4%. Blind individuals needed assistance more often (OR: 2.65 to 11.35) than CG members while the assistance required by LV individuals was similar to that for the CG. Blind individuals required institution adaptation (building and furniture changes) more often than the CG. Blind (57.9%) and LV individuals (35.4%) were more often registered for social allowances. Monthly social allowances were EUR 86 higher for blind than LV individuals. Monthly family incomes were found to be similar between the three groups (from EUR 782 to 797). Social and demographic data, institution description, income, handicaps, disabilities, social allowances and details of daily activities were collected interviews

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the impact of self-reported blindness and LV on daily life for patients living in institutions.

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Title: Prevalence and burden of self-reported blindness and low vision for individuals living in institutions: a nationwide survey
Authors: Antoine Pierre Brézin
Antoine Lafuma
Francis Fagnani
Mounir Mesbah
Gilles Berdeaux
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-3-27

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and burden of self-reported blindness and low vision for individuals living in institutions: a nationwide survey

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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