Psychosocial Implications of Visual Loss among Destitutes in Onitsha, Nigeria Psychosocial Implications of Visual Loss among Destitutes

Abstract

Background: The visual loss and psychosocial problems of the destitute have not been well studied in our environment. Many scholars have identified various attributes of poverty, including poor health, as important factors that drive people into destitution. Objectives: To assess the relationship between psychologic disorders and visual loss among the destitute in order to provide useful data for planning social, mental, and eye health services for the destitute. Materials and Methods: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of NAUTH Nnewi. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among destitute in Onitsha between July and August 2011. Destitute clusters were identified, enumerated, and 10 clusters were selected by a simple random sampling. All participants in the selected clusters were interviewed and examined using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted to obtain more information. SPSS version 16 and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight participants were studied, consisting of 93 males (55.4%) and 75 females (44.6%), and the age range was 11-78 years; mean 38.2± 21 years. The majority did not have formal education; none was employed; one hundred and fifty-eight (94.0%) earned less than one United States dollar per day. All were street beggars. Stigmatization 146 (86.9%), depression 142 (84.5%) and verbal abuse 120(71.4%) were the commonest psychosocial problems. Conclusion: Although All The Subjects With Severe Visual Loss Had Psychosocial Disorders, This Was Not Statistically Significant. Stigmatization, Depression And Verbal Abuse Were The Commonest Psychosocial Problems.