The impact of visual impairment on nutritional status: a systematic review

Authors:
JONES Nabila, BARTLETT Hannah
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Visual Impairment, 36(1), 2018, pp.17-30.
Publisher:
Sage

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that has investigated the impact of visual impairment on nutritional status. The authors identified relevant articles through a multi-staged systematic approach. Fourteen articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 761 participants. It was found that visual impairment significantly affects nutritional status. The studies reported that visually impaired people have an abnormal body mass index (BMI); a higher prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was reported. Visually impaired people find it difficult to shop for, eat, and prepare meals. Most studies had a small sample size, and some studies did not include a study control group for comparison. The limitations of these studies suggest that the findings are not conclusive enough to hold true for only those who are visually impaired. Further studies with a larger sample size are required with the aim of developing interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
systematic reviews, visual impairment, nutrition, obesity, activities of daily living, health;
Content type:
systematic review
Link:
Journal home page
DOI:
10.1177/0264619617730860
ISSN print:
0264 6196

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