Impact of COVID-19 on Depressive Symptoms Among Patients with Low Vision and Blindness

Abstract

Background

Disability is globally recognized as a key cause of depression. Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the vulnerability of patients with low vision to health and health-related issues, especially mental health. This study aimed to examine the association between the impact of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms in patients with low vision and blindness.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2022 and involved face-to-face interviews. Patients with low vision and blindness diagnosed with depression were excluded. The following items were included in the questionnaire: sociodemographic information, Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the impact of COVID-19, and The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D). Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between the impact of COVID-19 and depression.

Results

The prevalence of depression among patients with low vision and blindness was 43.0%. Three factors were associated with depressive symptoms: compliance with COVID-19 prevention strategies (β = 0.16, p<0.01), anxiety during COVID-19 (β = 0.24, p<0.001), and social support (β = −0.16, p<0.01).

Conclusion

The findings indicated that COVID-19 significantly increased depressive symptoms among patients with low vision and blindness. The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been considered critical and emergent public health issues. Stakeholders, particularly public health organizations, need to urgently implement preventive and protective measures to help patients with physical and mental disabilities.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• depressive symptoms
• low vision
• blindness

Data Sharing Statement

Data is available upon request to the corresponding author.

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Human Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (COA No. 1638/2021) on November 8, 2021. To protect the identities of the participants and maintain confidentiality, written consent was obtained before the interview. For those unable to read owing to their vision, the interviewer read the research objectives and details of the consent form. Those who agreed to participate provided the verbal consent bearing a witness signature. This study has been performed in accordance with the principles stated in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship and the 90th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadapiseksomphot Endowment Fund) for supporting this research project. We also thank Ms. Reberta Adele Steer Huthart for her kind support during this research.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.