Assessing Quality of Life of the Visually Disabled People in Sri Lanka using the Seven Domains of Personal Wellbeing

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) of the disabled is of interest to social researchers, though in general, it is a concept somewhat overlooked by many nations including Sri Lanka. This study examines the extent to which the seven domains of the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) impact the QoL of people with visual disabilities in Sri Lanka. The PWI comprises of seven social indicators viz, standard of living, achievements in life, community connectedness, close relationships, health, safety and future security. The sample of visually disabled population for this study was obtained from, Hambanthota District, in Southern Sri Lanka, as it records the highest rate of vision impairment in the country. Data collection was performed through a tailored questionnaire and thereafter analysed to determine relationships between the above mentioned seven domains and QoL. Demographic factors such as age and gender were also examined. Results conclude that majority of visually disabled individuals, especially those in the 40-59 age group are satisfied with the seven PWI social indicators examined. However, the domain of future security remains a significant concern, while females appear to be dissatisfied in terms of close relationships, achievements in life and standard of living, in addition, community connectedness and achievements in life domains need to be addressed by the policymakers to sustain QoL among VIandB in Sri Lanka.