EXPLORING THE SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF VISION LOSS AMONG VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS IN LAWRA MUNICIPALITY, A RURAL COMMUNITY OF NORTH-WESTERN GHANA.

Abstract

Background: The visually impaired population continues to rise globally with people in rural residence at a greater risk. Since vision loss is mostly irreversible and usually comes as a handicap with psychological implications, affected persons need support to live satisfying lives and also participate in societal development. Methods: A phenomenological approach was employed to study the social supports and psychological implications of vision loss among Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs). From a cross-section of the VIPs in Lawra municipality, 5 Focus Group Discussions and 20 In-depth Interviews were conducted using pretested discussion/interview guides. The interviews and discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim along with field notes in Microsoft Word document and imported into NVIVO version 2020 where thematic analysis was performed by employing descriptive-focused coding. Results: The study revealed vision loss is associated with anxiety, hopelessness, dependency, depression, loneliness and suicidal ideation. The results suggested that financial and health services are the main formal supports received by the VIPs in the study area. In addition to that, material, emotional, informational, appraisal and spiritual support were provided by the community level support sources such as kin-based network, faith-based associations, traditional authorities and social relations outside their families. However, there are several barriers to seeking available supports such as lack of information, transportation difficulties, illiteracy, political biases, discrimination, family dispute, and the principle of reciprocity. The findings also revealed that having adequate social support helps

the VIPs gain self-esteem, feel safe and secure, as well as reduces their stresses. Though the VIPs are pleased with support from the community network especially the family, they were not satisfied with what the formal sector offered them because their needs such as finances, road safety, farm inputs, and housing needs are not met. Conclusion: The study was to explore the social support and psychological effects of vision impairment in a rural setting. Despite the numerous support services available in the communities and formal sector, the VIPs‟ needs are not fully met. Therefore, there is the need to modify and scale up the formal support services such as the LEAP and accessibility of DACF to the VIPs while prevailing community support sources should be reinforced. The VIPs need to be protected against criticism and discrimination to help them access available support services.