A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Strabismic Adults' Experiences of Psychosocial Influence of Strabismus-A Qualitative Study




AuthorsMason, Anna; Joronen, Katja; Lindberg, Laura; Kajander, Marika; Fagerholm, Nina; Rantanen, Anja

PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC

Publishing placeTHOUSAND OAKS

Publication year2024

JournalSAGE Open Nursing

Journal name in sourceSAGE OPEN NURSING

Journal acronymSAGE OPEN NURS

Volume10

Number of pages10

eISSN2377-9608

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241278456

Web address https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23779608241278456

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457919296


Abstract

Introduction: Strabismus influences health-related quality of life. Individuals may have functional and psychosocial consequences of strabismus that impact their well-being. As strabismus is prevalent in all age groups, patients are seen in varied specialties in healthcare organizations. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the psychosocial consequences when caring for strabismic individuals.

Objective: To describe strabismic adults' experiences of the psychosocial influence of strabismus.

Methods: Twelve strabismic adults participated in face-to-face or online semistructured individual interviews to share their experiences of the psychosocial influence of strabismus. The participants were selected purposefully. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results: The participating adults described challenges with social environments, which showed stress in social situations and pressure in interactions. Strabismic adults had experienced staring from others, avoided social situations, and were uncomfortable with photography. They hid their strabismus, avoided eye contact, and struggled with intimate relationships. They also expressed struggles with mental well-being, which were emotional and psychological burdens. The adults described feeling negative emotions, worry, and irritation due to their condition. Struggles with self-confidence, difficulties with acceptance, negative thoughts about their appearance, experiences of bullying, and dealing with being different were described.

Conclusion: Strabismic adults experience psychosocial consequences of strabismus, influencing their psychosocial health-related quality of life. Further studies should focus on how healthcare professionals could support strabismic individuals' psychosocial well-being.


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Funding information in the publication
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The corresponding author received research months from the HUS Helsinki University Hospital Nursing Research Center (HUS/676/2021) and a grant from the Finnish Nurses Association. Finnish Nurses Association.


Last updated on 2025-27-01 at 18:34