Evaluating Well-being of Individuals With Chronic Visual Conditions Requiring Regular Eyecare During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors among individuals with chronic vision conditions during COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study targeted Jordanian adults with a variety of chronic vision conditions requiring regular ophthalmic follow-up. Outcome measures included HRQoL measured by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), mental health symptoms measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and vision ability measured by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25) General Vision and Role Limitation subscales. Data were analyzed descriptively and using a multiple variable linear regression model to identify HRQoL predictors.

Results: A total of 203 participants with a mean age of 52.09 (±15.41) years participated, and SF-12 mean scores were 58.15 for the physical component and 57.48 for the mental component. The level of HRQoL was significantly associated with VFQ-25 Role Limitation subscale, diabetes, the need of ophthalmic follow-up, and stress. The regression model explained 47.1% of the variance in HRQoL (r2=0.471, F=35.57, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Jordanian individuals with chronic vision conditions demonstrated low levels of HRQoL during COVID-19 lockdown. Participants also showed high levels of mental health symptoms and reported low accessibility to ophthalmic care. Access to nonurgent ophthalmic care in individuals with chronic vision diseases should be carefully planned in future pandemics.