THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELING ON MENTAL HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW VISION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/d0zh7849Keywords:
Anxiety, Depression, Functional Independence, Low Vision, Psychosocial Counseling, Quality of LifeAbstract
Background: Low vision is a significant public health issue that affects daily functioning and mental well-being. Despite advances in optical aids, many individuals with visual impairment experience depression, anxiety, and reduced independence. Psychosocial support is often overlooked in vision rehabilitation programs.
Objective: This study explores the impact of structured counseling on mental health and functional independence in people with low vision. The purpose of study was to assess the effects of structured psychosocial counseling on mental health (depression, anxiety) and functional independence in individuals with low vision.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Sial Hospital, Ali Pur Chatha, involving 32 low vision patients. Participants were randomly assigned to either a structured psychosocial counseling group or a standard care control group. Data were collected using the DASS-21 and VFQ-25 questionnaires to assess mental health and functional independence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Structured psychosocial counseling significantly improved depression, anxiety, stress, and visual functioning in individuals with low vision. Group A (intervention) showed significant reductions in depression (from 21.31 to 8.37), anxiety (18.50 to 7.56), and stress (23.06 to 12.68) over 12 weeks, while Group B showed minimal change. Visual function (VFQ-25) improved in Group A from 51.37 to 67.00, compared to Group B's 45.50 to 48.87. All differences at week 12 were statistically significant (p < 0.001). These results confirm the positive impact of structured psychosocial counseling on mental health and functional independence in individuals with low vision.
Conclusion: Structured psychosocial counseling led to notable improvements in mental health and daily functioning among individuals with low vision. The intervention group experienced reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These results support the value of counseling as part of low vision rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mahnoor Saleem, Gulnaz Zaheer (Author)
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