Psychosocial characteristics of totally blind people in a Nigerian city

• DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.71603
• Publication Date: 2010-10-13T10:33:57Z
• Authors: MosunmolaF Tunde-...; DupeS Ademola-Pop...; TanimolaM Akande
• Keywords: Childhood blindness

To characterize the demographic and psychosocial problems of a group blind people as way attracting more attention to providing data that can improve care visually impaired.A cross-sectional descriptive study population totally in Ilorin, Nigeria using self-report questionnaire (SRQ). The was verbally administered by personnel local language. Simple frequency tables were obtained Chi-square test performed determine significant differences between variables. P value <0.05 considered statistically significant.Sixty one patients consented participate. Most participants engaged street begging for their livelihood. subjects desired job change, signifying dissatisfaction with present occupation. Up 80% cohort married had spouses who also at least eye. Approximately two-thirds five or children majority lived family members responsible taking personal hygiene, cooking mobility. developed blindness childhood 16% history 77% never used conventional eye care, corneal disease being most frequent cause blindness. Many feared may become blind. Thirty-one (51%) scored ≥5 on SRQ classified probable cases psychological disorder.Blindness started probably preventable. Inaccessibility failure formal rehabilitation social welfare systems have caused this dilemma. high level interaction provides opportunity organized preventive ophthalmology, community health services care.