A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Strabismic Adults' Experiences of Psychosocial Influence of Strabismus-A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mason, Anna; Joronen, Katja; Lindberg, Laura; Kajander, Marika; Fagerholm, Nina; Rantanen, Anja
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Publishing place: THOUSAND OAKS
Publication year: 2024
Journal: SAGE Open Nursing
Journal name in source: SAGE OPEN NURSING
Journal acronym: SAGE OPEN NURS
Volume: 10
Number of pages: 10
eISSN: 2377-9608
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241278456
Web address : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23779608241278456
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457919296
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.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
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.