Quality of life in the Iranian Blind War Survivors in 2007: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundQuality of Life measurements are necessary tools for effectively evaluating health services. In the population of patients afflicted with war-related blindness in Iran, such measurements have yet to be documented and utilized. "The design and implementation of this study involved the determination of a baseline score for QOL in a population of Iranian blinded in the Iraq-Iran war in order to facilitate the design of interventions intended to improve the population's QOL."MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of a representative population of 250 war victims blind in both eyes at a 14-day recreational conference.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 43.20(SD8.34) and their composition was 96.5% male and 3.5% female with a mean SF-36 QOL score of 59.20(SD22.80). An increasing level of education among the participants correlated with a higher QOL score (p = 0.006). The QOL also has a significant correlation to number of injuries (p < 0.0001). High systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hearing loss, and tinnitus had negative individual correlations to QOL (p = 0.016, 0.016, 0.005, p < 0.0001). The male sexual disorders of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation both had significant correlations to QOL (p = 0.026, p < 0.0001). Hypercholesterolemia showed significant correlation to QOL (p = 0.021).ConclusionsAs blind war survivors' age, they will present with a greater set of burdens despite their relatively better QOL in the physical component scale when compared with lower limb amputees. Risk factors of cardiovascular attack such as high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia were present and need future interventions.Key wordsQuality of life, blindness, SF36, health

Proposed use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health to evaluate quality of life after an amputation

“…According to Larsson et al (17), the quality of life of amputees is likely to be improved by efforts at rehabilitation that are focused on improving mobility; an increase in physical activity and consequent reduction in physical limitations and dependencies can improve the quality of life. However, Amini et al (1) reported that psychological problems stand out as key influencers of quality of life.…”

“…The SF-36 is regarded as a generic tool for assessing quality of life, and it is not specific to subjects with lower limb amputation. However, many studies have used this tool to assess this population (1,16,19,20).…”

“…Quality of life is one of several variables by which scientific studies seek to examine the lives of individuals in relation to their skills and activity levels (1). Amputations resulting from traumatic injuries stand out among conditions that negatively influence the quality of life (2,3,4).…”

“…After an amputation, it is important for individuals to undergo an appropriate treatment program, to enable them to perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) with greater functionality and, possibly, achieve a better quality of life (7). Health-related quality of life is one of the most important criteria for rehabilitation because its evaluation facilitates decision-making and adjustments in rehabilitation programs (1). Rehabilitation can be customized according to an individual's needs (i.e., according to factors that negatively influence their quality of life).…”

Prevalence of Physical Disability among Urban Community-dwelling Adults in Sri Lanka

“…Not only the frequency and severity of diseases, but also the quality of life is an important aspect of one's health (WHO, 1997). Disability has a direct impact on quality of life (Edwards, 2003;Benitha&Tikly, 2007;Verbunt, 2008;Amini, 2010). Nearly every person may experience a temporary or permanent disability sometime in life, and this happens more often with advancing age.…”