Exploring the Health Behaviors of Young Adults Who Are Blind in South Korea

Abstract

Introduction: Compared to sighted people, not only do people who are blind have multiple comorbidities and exhibit early mortality, but they also display high-risk health behaviors. To prevent problematic health behaviors affecting health-related quality of life and well-being, understanding the shared patterns of health behaviors among individuals with visual impairments, including blindness, is essential. Methods: This qualitative study explored the hidden constructs and patterns of health behaviors among employed young adults who are blind using a multiple case study analysis. Eight participants with self-reported total blindness were recruited via convenience sampling and recruitment postings. Results: The mean age was 27.43 +/- 6.32 years with a range of 20-39 years. Seven males and one female completed the one-on-one telephone interviews. The study discovered eight patterns of health behaviors of young adults who are blind: (a) leading a sedentary lifestyle with physical inactivity, (b) eating irregularly and not cooking, (c) avoiding uncertainty and illness, (d) facing disability stigma in health care services, (e) seeking online information related to medical care, (f) sharing health-related information within the blind community, (g) receiving unreadable formats of health-related information, and (h) aiming for independence and autonomy in self-care. The following categorized health behavior constructs were extracted: perceived health problems, experiential attitude toward health care systems, health beliefs, perceived facilitators, and barriers. Discussion: The findings indicate that young adults who are blind prefer independent health-related activities. The identified problematic health behaviors were correlated to inaccessible healthcare resources. Implications for Practitioners: More accessible health resources enhancing the independence of young adults who are blind are needed to promote their health behaviors. For instance, more accessible fitness facilities and personalized exercise programs in workplaces and communities can motivate the physical activity of young adults who are blind.