Abstract
Purpose:
To assess the association between glaucoma severity and individual's participation in diverse social roles.
Methods:
Individuals with definite glaucoma, aged 50+ and attending 2 glaucoma clinics were enrolled. They were classified into one of three groups based on visual field loss in the better eye: mild (Mean Deviation (MD) >-6dB), moderate (MD -6dB to -12dB) and severe (MD <-12dB). Those with visual acuity in the better eye <20/50 were excluded to minimize effects caused by reduced visual acuity. Standardized telephone interviews were used to collect information. The validated Social Role Participation Questionnaire was used to assess respondent's view on salience (i.e. importance), difficulty and satisfaction in participating in 11 social role domains. Differences between groups were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results:
108 participants (54% female) were included: 60 mild, 23 moderate and 25 severe. The mean age was 68±10 for mild, 73±8 for moderate, and 73±8 for severe (p=0.04). Visual field loss involving both superior and inferior fields was seen in 47% of mild, 96% of moderate and 100% of severe. Except for attending school and having a paid job, the remaining 9 examined social role domains were rated as important/very important by participants in all 3 groups (p>0.05). Compared to those with mild glaucoma, individuals with severe glaucoma reported more difficulties participating in community/religious/cultural events (p=0.02), travelling (p<0.01) and relationships with family members other than spouse or children (p=0.02). The least satisfied social involvement was travelling, reported by individuals with severe glaucoma. Globally those who were female (p<0.05), had a partner (p<0.05) or had greater social support (p<0.05) considered participation in all aspects of life more important. Individuals with severe glaucoma stated more difficulties when considering all things together compared to mild and moderate groups (p=0.02). Those with higher levels of income (p<0.05) had higher satisfaction with the social roles involved.
Conclusions:
Individuals with varying severity of glaucomatous visual field loss all rate participation in diverse social roles as important. Those with severe visual field loss however experience more difficulty with community events, travelling and relationships. They are also least satisfied with these involvements.
Keywords: 466 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials •
669 quality of life