Social Support Resilience and Psychological Well-being among Patients with Low Vision Attending an Eye Care Centre in Akwa-Ibom Nigeria

Abstract

Low vision is a global health problem, and the worldwide number of individuals who experience this condition is increasing, due to an expanding and aging population. In Nigeria for instance, a significant number of ophthalmic patients present with low vision, with possible psychological consequences. Previous research has focused more on ophthalmic determinants, ignoring the role that psychosocial factors play in wellbeing of patients diagnosed with low vision. This study therefore, examined the predictive role of perceived social support and resilience on psychological wellbeing of patients with low vision in Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted to purposively recruit patients with low vision (visual acuity < 6/ 12 in the better eye) at an Eye Centre in Nigeria. Multidimensional scale of perceived social support, Ego resiliency and Wellbeing Affectometer-2 scales were used to collect data from participants. The study comprised 129 participants (mean age=49.10 years). Hierarchical multiple regression showed that social support (β= .05, t= 0.55; p <.05) and resilience (β= .23, t= 2.28; p <.05) were significant predictors of psychological wellbeing [F_{(2, 126)} =3.402; R²=.09; p <.05].Results indicate that low vision has a significant impact on wellbeing, while enhanced social support and resilience have beneficial effects on wellbeing among patients with low vision. Ophthalmologists and other low vision specialists must therefore provide support and encourage same from families and relatives of their patients to help the patients deal with the impact of vision loss on wellbeing.