Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons
Transkrypt
Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons
HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 WELLNESS AND HEALTH CHAPTER IV Department of Dental Anatomy Medical University of Wrocław Zakład Anatomii Stomatologicznej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu 2 Department of Tourism and Recreation WSB of Wrocław Zakład Turystyki i Rekreacji WSB we Wrocławiu 3 Department of Normal Anatomy Medical University of Wrocław Katedra i Zakład Anatomii Prawidłowej we Wrocławiu 1 WIESŁAW KURLEJ1, KAMIL NELKE1, KATARZYNA STASZAK1, BOŻENA KURC-DARAK1, JACEK ZBOROWSKI1, MONIKA STRZELCZYK2 , BOHDAN GWORYS3, SŁAWOMIR WOŹNIAK3 Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons Zachowania prozdrowotne osób niewidomych i słabo widzących Key words: health behaviors, physical activity, visual dysfunction Słowa kluczowe: zachowania prozdrowotne, aktywność ruchowa, dysfunkcja wzroku Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons have a great influence on their physical activity and also social and hedonistic conditions [7]. Due to analysis of physical activity it’s possible to evaluate their health behaviors [4]. Physical activity has a great influence on person’s life and also quality of life. It seems that problems related with blind or impaired persons is still a very actual topic, mostly because of the fact of clearing working places for such handicapped persons because of economic reasons. Founds gathered from person activation might be used for health benefits usage. Aim of this study was to evaluate and measure health behaviors in the field of physical activity blind and visually impaired persons. Also influence of responder’s age to their health behaviors was measured. MATERIAL AND METHODS Study was consisted of 196 participants with visual dysfunction in the Ophthalmology Clinic in Wrocław. 62 men and 134 women took part in the survey questionnaire divided into two separate age groups: 1. 16-25 years old and 2. 26-35 years HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 Wellness and health old. Most participants were persons with severe visual dysfunction that prevented them from self-functioning. While evaluating socio-economic status of families a special measuring tool was set by the economic status of family (number and value). Valuables that were taking under consideration were: possession of a car, audiovideo devices, computer, a village cottage and cultivating elite sports. While measuring the socio-economic status different parameters included in a special index, the index of environmental goddess [5] consisted of: 1. Place of habitat; 2. Education levels; 3. Employment; 4. Life-style related with physical activity, healthy nutrition, drugs usage and creating relations between peoples and environment; 5. Survival rate of studies groups; 6. Number of family members with relation to a full family status; 7. Hygiene and health condition of questioned participants. Statistical analysis of survey questionnaire was performed in the responders group with usage of chi-square test. MATERIAL ANALYSIS Tab. I. Place of habitat, education levels and employment status of survey participants Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Place of habitat (χ2 = 3,2; DF = 2, p = 0,20 - χ2 = 3,2) Village 4 (13,8) 4 (12,1) 9 (13,6) 8 (11,8) Small town 11 (37,9) 12 (36,4) 24 (36,4) 26 (38,2) Bigger town 24 (82,8) 24 (72,7) 33 (50,0) 34 (50,0) Education levels (χ2 = 7,5; DF = 2, p = 0,025 - χ2 = 7,4) Primary 24 (82,8) 20 (60,6) 43 (65,2) 30 (44,1) Secondary 4 (13,8) 10 (30,3) 19 (28,8) 38 (55,9) Higher 1 (3,5) 3 (9,1) 4 (6,1) 10 (14,7) Employment status (χ2 = 2,8; DF = 3, p = 0,50 - χ2 = 2,4) Student 13 (44,8) 2 (6,1) 42 (63,6) 6 (8,8) Physical work 5 (17,2) 18 (54,6) 13 (19,7) 28 (41,2) Not employed 9 (31,0) 7 (21,2) 7 (10,6) 25 (36,8) Pension 2 (6,9) 6 (18,2) 4 (6,1) 9 (13,2) Different responders place of habitat is greatly related with their health condition. More amount of responders is living at towns, both smaller and bigger once (Tab. I) which has great impact on blind and visually dysfunctional health condition. The village and smaller town’s environment has a limited access to any socially organized sport activities. On the other hand, country side recreation and sport related with close relation with natural environment is possible. Also responder’s education levels are related with their healthy behaviors. In the studied groups a great amount of not employed women’s is remarkable. In these groups under employment is related with children rising. Small amount of persons with visual dysfunction is collecting their pensions. This situation is leading 48 Wiesław Kurlej, Kamil Nelke, Katarzyna Staszak, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Jacek Zborowski, Monika Strzelczyk, Bohdan Gworys, Sławomir Woźniak Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons to increased outcome of founds is this group of persons and decreased own founds wage. In case of unemployment more costs are cumulated for livelihood. In younger responder groups a great impact on reducing family founds levels for livelihood is their continuing education. Tab. II. Subjective and objective evaluation of responder’s economic status Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Economic status evaluated subjectively (χ2 = 0,1; DF = 2, p = 0,90. - χ2 = 0,2) Bad 4 (13,8) 5 (15,2) 10 (15,2) 12 (17,7) Average 14 (48,3) 15 (45,5) 31 (47,0) 31 (45,6) Goof 11 (37,9) 12 (36,4) 25 (37,9) 24 (35,3) Very good 0 (0,0) 1 (3,0) 0 (0,0) 1 (1,5) Economic status evaluated by the SES tool (χ2 = 0,9; DF = 2, p = 0,70, - χ2 = 0,7) Bad 6 (20,7) 7 (21,2) 11 (16,7) 13 (19,1) Average 15 (51,7) 17 (51,5) 33 (50,0) 32 (47,1) Good 8 (27,6) 9 (27,3) 22 (33,3) 23 (33,8) Responders quite more often were voting optimistically of their socio-economic status than it’s measured while using the SES diagnostic tool (Tab. II). It might lead to a conclusion that handicapped persons are less concerned to any tangible properties than persons fully healthy. Handicapped persons are more focused on their own status and the possibilities to overcome their everyday disabilities. Responders voted on their socio-economic status quite the same, regardless sex and age. Average and good status were the most common among responders. Tab. III. Disability characteristics Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) Type of disability (χ2 = 0,7; DF = 1, p = 0,30 - χ2 = 1,1) Congenital 13 (44,8) 15 (45,5) 30 (45,5) Acquired 16 (55,2) 18 (54,6) 33 (50,0) Times of acquired disability (χ 2 = 3,2; DF = 2, p = 0,20 - χ2 = 3,2) Up to 1 year 3 (10,4) 3 (9,1) 4 (6,1) From 1 to 10 years 6 (20,7) 5 (15,2) 15 (22,7) More than 10 years 7 (24,1) 25 (75,8) 14 (21,2) Types of disability (χ2 = 0,0; DF = 1, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,0) Blind 6 (20,7) 7 (21,2) 12 (18,2) Visually impaired 23 (79,3) 26 (78,8) 53 (80,3) Member of any blind and visually disabled organizations and circles. Yes 6 (20,7) 7 (21,2) 12 (18,2) 26-35 (68) 35 (51,5) 35 (51,5) 3 (4,4) 6 (8,8) 26 (38,2) 16 (23,5) 52 (76,5) 13 (19,1) 49 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 Wellness and health Visual disability was significally more acquired than congenital regardless responders sex (Tab. III). In case of any acquired disabilities in the older responders group the period of disability was longer. In the studied material statistically more often persons with visual disability were present than blind, regardless age and sex. Degree of visual disability is greatly related with those group behaviors and is related with person’s independent physical activity and sport regime. Tab. IV. Responders physical activity Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Spending free time (χ2 = 0,0; DF = 1, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,0) Active 20 (69,0) 20 (60,6) 44 (66,7) 43 (63,2) Passive 9 (31,0) 13 (39,4) 22 (33,3) 25 (36,8) Frequency of physical activity (χ2 = 0,9; DF = 3, p = 0,80 - χ2 = 1,0) Everyday 6 (20,7) 7 (21,2) 12 (18,2) 15 (22,1) 3-5 times a week 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 11 (16,7) 13 (19,1) 1-2 times a week 13 (44,8) 14 (42,4) 28 (42,4) 24 (35,3) Rarely 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 15 (22,70 16 (23,5) Type of movement exercise (χ2 = 4,2; DF = 6, p = 0,70 - χ2 = 3,8) Walking 11 (37,9) 11 (33,3) 27 (40,9) 31 (45,6) Swimming 3 (10,4) 6 (18,2) 10 (15,2) 12 (17,7) Sports 2 (6,9) 3 (9,1) 2 (3,0) 3 (4,4) Dance, gymnastics 5 (17,2) 1 (3,0) 7 (10,6) 8 (11,8) Winter sports 1 (3,5) 2 (6,1) 2 (3,0) 2 (2,9) Rehabilitative 3 (10,4) 4 (12,10 8 (12,1) 6 (8,8) Other 2 (6,9) 4 (12,1) 5 (7,6) 2 (2,9) None 2 (6,9) 2 (6,1) 5 (7,6) 4 (5,9) Cultivating a selected type of sport Yes 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 12 (18,2) 12 (17,7) Time of practicing selected type of sport (χ2 = 0,0; DF = 2, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,0) Till 1 year 3 (10,4) 2 (6,1) 6 (9,1) 5 (7,4) From 1-2 years 2 (6,9) 3 (9,1) 5 (7,6) 6 (8,8) More than 2 years 0 (0,0) 1 (3,0) 1 (1,5) 1 (1,5) Studied group with sight deficiency is quite more active than the passive part (Tab. IV). It’s worrying that still average number of responders is taking physical activities just randomly. Lack of physical activities is higher in the women group than in men. Despite that, it’s still worth to notice quite big interest in various forms of movement exercises. Most common types are walking, which are preferred by all responders, regardless age and sex. In the studied group there are responders practicing active sport despite age or sex relations. 50 Wiesław Kurlej, Kamil Nelke, Katarzyna Staszak, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Jacek Zborowski, Monika Strzelczyk, Bohdan Gworys, Sławomir Woźniak Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons Tab. V. Most frequent place of practicing active forms of sport Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) Place of activing (χ2 = 0,0; DF = 2, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,0) Home 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 12 (18,20 Outdoors 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 13 (19,7) Park 12 (41,4) 11 (33,3) 22 (33,3) Sport club 4 (13,8) 6 (18,2) 10 (15,2) Sport facility 3 (10,4) 4 (12,1) 9 (13,6) 26-35 (68) 14 (20,6) 11 (16,2) 24 (35,3) 11 (16,2) 8 (11,8) Variety of place for practicing sport by responders is huge (Tab. V). Almost one third of all responder’s points out that they are taking sport in organized classes or facilities (sport club, specialized sport facility). Tab. VI. Preferred motivation for physical motivation Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) Preferred motivation (χ2 = 0,2; DF = 5, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,6) Hobby 5 (17,2) 6 (18,2) 10 (15,2) Need for spending 3 (10,4) 3 (9,1) 8 (12,1) free time Desire to compete 2 (6,9) 2 (6,1) 4 (6,1) Sociable motive 3 (10,4) 3 (9,1) 8 (12,1) To get fit 4 (13,8) 6 (18,2) 11 (16,7) Doctors recommen- 5 (17,2) 4 (12,1) 10 (15,2) dation Satisfaction 2 (6,9) 3 (9,1) 6 (9,1) Motivation family 3 (10,4) 4 (12,1) 6 (9,1) members Other 1 (3,5) 2 (6,1) 3 (4,6) 26-35 (68) 10 (14,7) 7 (10,3) 5 (7,4) 10 (14,7) 12 (17,7) 10 (14,7) 6 (8,8) 6 (8,8) 2 (2,9) Preferred type of motivation for practicing physical activities for disabled persons is quite varied (Tab. VI). Some factors are common or uncommon for persons in order to motivate them for physical exercises. Blind or visually disabled persons are quite often motivated for physical exercises in order to benefit from good condition and for health benefits. There are no significant differences in motivation for taking sport related with age or sex of responders. 51 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 Wellness and health Tab. VII. Perception of disability and handicapped by others evaluating blind and disabled persons Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Perception of disability (χ2 = 1,7; DF = 3, p = 0,50 - χ2 = 2,4) No acceptation 0 (0,0) 1 (3,0) 0 (0,0) 2 (2,9) Toleration 6 (20,7) 6 (18,2) 11 (16,7) 12 (17,7) Indifference 8 (27,6) 7 (21,2) 15 (22,7) 14 (20,6) Willingness for 4 (13,8) 4 (12,1) 6 (9,1) 6 (8,8) helping Acceptance 11 (37,9) 15 (45,5) 34 (51,5) 34 50,0) Major problem is a tolerance and acceptance of blind and visually disabled persons. Those attitudes are quite positive; however they still remain passive, same as indifference of environment for disabilities. The most important is still active help for handicapped and disabled persons in any situations. Unfortunately it’s just common in about 10% of all selected cases (Tab. VII). Occasionally handicapped persons were discriminated. Most of responders conclude that their disability is accepted by the society; however it either raises indifference or willingness for helping by others. Tab. VIII. Subjective evaluation of health status of handicapped responders Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Evaluation of health (χ2 = 1,6; DF = 2, p = 0,50 - χ2 = 1,4) Good 18 (62,1) 16 (48,5) 38 (57,6) 33 (48,5) Adequate 5 (17,2) 5 (15,2) 11 (16,7) 9 (13,2) Average 5 (17,2) 9 (27,3) 16 (24,2) 23 (33,8) Bad 1 (3,5) 3 (9,1) 1 (1,5) 3 (4,4) Most of responders think that their health status is good (Tab. VIII). Evaluation of this status was achieved by measuring health status of blind and visually disabled persons. In rare cases, older responders point out that their health status is bad. This is common in both men and women. Tab. IX. Perception of limitations in sport practicing Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Perception of limitations (χ2 = 0,8; DF = 4, p = 0,95 - χ2 = 0,7) Health status 6 (20,7) 8 (24,2) 13 (19,7) 18 (26,5) 52 Wiesław Kurlej, Kamil Nelke, Katarzyna Staszak, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Jacek Zborowski, Monika Strzelczyk, Bohdan Gworys, Sławomir Woźniak Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons High costs 9 (31,0) 9 (27,3) 18 (27,3) 18 (26,5) Lack of transporta6 (20,7) 6 (18,2) 13 (19,7) 16 (23,5) tion No acceptance from 3 (10,4) 3 (9,1) 7 (10,6) 5 (7,4) others Lack of suitable 4 (13,8) 5 (15,2) 9 (13,6) 6 (8,8) training facilities Other 1 (3,5) 2 (6,1) 6 (9,1) 5 (7,4) The possibility of self-realization of people with disabilities Yes 16 (55,2) 13 (39,4) 38 (57,6) 30 (44,1) There are many factors causing disabled persons inaccessibility to sports. The most frequent once are the economic factors (Tab. IX). There are no significant differences with sport activities in relation with sex and age, however older responders do point out that due to bad health condition they are not taking any sport. Not only sight is worsened in older responders, therefore they do not work out that much. Younger responders, despite sex, blindness or visual disability quite more often want to work out. Tab. X. Perception of handicapped persons in sport facilities Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Perception of handicapped persons (χ2 = 1,5; DF = 3, p = 0,70 - χ2 = 1,4) Tolerance 5 (17,2) 7 (21,2) 17 (25,8) 20 (29,4) Frankness 11 (37,9) 12 (36,4) 23 (34,9) 22 (32,4) Willingness to help 7 (24,1) 8 (24,2) 17 (25,8) 18 (26,5) No acceptance 2 (6,9) 2 (6,1) 4 (6,1) 3 (4,4) Insults and jokes 2 (6,9) 2 (6,1) 2 (3,0) 2 (2,9) Other 2 (6,9) 2 (6,1) 3 (4,6) 3 (4,4) In training facilities and sport areas handicapped persons are working out with help of their families or personal caretaker. Quite often presence of other persons is not welcome in those facilities. Overall perception of handicapped persons in sport facilities is quite the same as general perception by the society (Tab. X). Tab. XI. Responders attention to appearance, proper nutrition and diet (multiple choice quiz) Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Responders attention (χ2 = 0,0; DF = 2, p = 0,99 - χ2 = 0,0) External appearance 21 (72,4) 25 (75,8) 50 (75,8) 51 (75,0) Proper nutrition 26 (89,7) 30 (90,9) 59 (89,4) 61 (89,7) Diet usage 16 (55,2) 17 (51,5) 36 (54,6) 38 (55,9) 53 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 Wellness and health A very important factor related with health and good general condition is proper nutrition. In the studied group, responders are taking care of their general appearance; diet and proper nutrition regardless age and sex (Tab. XI). Persons suffering from visual dysfunctions are quite often assisted by persons who are taking care of their proper nutrition and diet. Because visual perception is decreased or totally unavailable, other senses, such as taste, smell and touch are very important for those persons to prepare dishes. Tab. XII. Role of family and friends in helping handicapped persons to overcome difficulties with their disabilities, social activities and traveling (multiple choice quiz) Sex Male Female Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) 26-35 (68) Role of family and friends (χ2 = 0,2; DF = 2, p = 0,90 - χ2 = 0,2) Family 28 (96,6) 32 (97,0) 64 (97,0) 55 (80,9) Friends 28 (96,6) 32 (97,0) 64 (97,0) 66 (97,1) Social activity 1 (3,5) 2 (6,1) 2 (3,0) 3 (4,4) Traveling 5 (17,2) 7 (21,2) 11 (16,7) 14 (20,6) Overcome difficulties related with disabilities are very often related with help of others, especially friends and family. Third persons help is necessary for proper functioning in society. Both family and friends help is quite the same. Responders do confirm that (Tab. XII). Social activity of blind and visually impaired persons is small. Also small amount of responders travel for vacations or for spending free time. Tab. XIII. Responder’s perception of travel difficulties (multiple choice quiz) Sex Male Female 26-35 Age 16-25 (N=29) 26-35 (N=33) 16-25 (N=66) (68) Responder’s perception of travel difficulties (χ2 = 11,3; DF = 4, p = 0,025 - χ2 = 11,1) High costs 20 (69,0) 18 (54,6) 43 (65,2) 44 (64,7) Facilities not suitable for handicapped per18 (62,1) 15 (45,5) 20 (30,3) 21 (30,9) sons Inappropriate 15 (51,7) 14 (42,4) 19 (28,8) 20 (29,4) transport Necessity for travel20 (69,0) 18 (54,6) 18 (27,3) 19 (27,9) ing with a companion Lack of information 23 (79,3) 24 (42,7) 49 (74,2) 48 (70,6) for examples of 54 Wiesław Kurlej, Kamil Nelke, Katarzyna Staszak, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Jacek Zborowski, Monika Strzelczyk, Bohdan Gworys, Sławomir Woźniak Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons spending free time Limitations for traveling and spending free time of handicapped persons are not only their disability. Most often costs and facilities not suitable for handicapped persons are the most common limitations (Tab. XIII). The most frequent reason for omission any journeys, trips or travels all responders conclude that lack of suitable information. Travel agencies don’t organize any trips for persons suffering from visual disabilities. This great problem should be taken under consideration by travel agencies. Most public places and areas and adapted for disabled and handicapped persons. Worst situation is at the sport facilities. DISCUSSION Special programs are used from the childhood to promote sport and physical exercises in visually handicapped or blind children and young adults [1]. Cultivating sport and physical activity is a huge benefit for handicapped persons, especially in those who are not able to move by their own. All of evaluated responders group is greatly differentiated in respect of their disability and socio-economic status [2, 3]. Despite that, it’s important to search common ideas to achieve better quality of life of handicapped persons. Many studies, seems to confirm that enhancing physical activity and sport in blind and visually disabled persons leads to better health benefits and also impacts their pleasure [10]. Results point out that persons with visual disabilities are not involved in any social activities or social life. It’s worth to mention that they doesn’t stuck in, and yet they are willing to learn and work actively. It’s very important for responders to stay fit by taking sport, eat healthy and have close relations with their friends and families. The role of family is also very important in motivation for rehabilitation. Studies show that there is lack of suitable information’s about spending free time by disabled or handicapped persons. Travel agencies are either not suitable for disabled persons or they doesn’t have any information’s and interesting offers. Economic reasons are the most responsible once for decreased physical activities [4]. Huge amount of sport facilities are not handicap accessible. General in society there is a great tolerance and acceptance for handicapped and disabled persons and a great willingness for helping them. Many architectural barriers and huge costs, despite good hopes, life and dreams of handicapped persons are still not fully easy to realize [6, 8]. Sport and physical recreation is the best method to achieve better handicapped health. Many persons and responders, both blind and visually impaired, are practicing sport in many in many kinds in order to stay fit, have better condition and benefit greatly also for pleasure [9]. Taking sport outdoors or in a close relation to habitat of visually disabled persons minimizes greatly costs. Persons with visual disability are a very special kind of handicapped persons. A huge impact of their life’s, quality of life and health benefits is related with help from third persons. 55 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 2/2014 Wellness and health CONCLUSIONS 1. Very important factor in rehabilitation of visually impaired persons have third persons, such as friends and families. 2. Persons with visual dysfunction have increased healthy life standards - quite often it’s related with their disabilities. 3. Older peoples with visual problems are less active however this doesn’t lead to increased disability. 4. Tourism for handicapped persons should be more advertised, which might lead to mutual benefits. REFERENCES 1. Derbich J., Laskowska M.: Aktywność ruchowa dzieci i młodzieży niedowidzącej jako jeden z warunków dbałości o zdrowie. LIDER 5, 2005, 26-29). 2. Dziedzic J., Remplewicz J.: Kultura fizyczna w szkołach i zakładach dla niewidomych i niedowidzących. WSiP Warszawa 1980. 3. Gałkowski T. Nowe podejście do niepełnosprawności. Uporządkowanie terminologiczne. Audiofonologia 10, 1997. 4. Kaganek K.: Bariery uprawiania turystyki przez osoby niepełnosprawne w zależności od wybranych uwarunkowań. W: Społeczne uwarunkowania dobrostanu w niepełnosprawności. Pod red. Krystyny Markockiej-Maczki. NeuroCentrum Lublin 2011, 2, 27-47. 5. Kurlej W. i wsp.: Evaluation on influence of chosen environment al factors on state of dentition at children at kindergarten age. Polish J. Environ. Stud. 2009, 18(6), 88-96. 6. Łobożewicz T.: Turystyka i rekreacja ludzi niepełnosprawnych. Wyższa Szkoła Ekonomiczna w Warszawie. Warszawa 2000. 7. Napierała J. Dmitruk K.: Tourism as a form of rehabilitation in persons with vision dysfunction case. W: Wellness, quality of life and care in sickness and disability. Pod red. Jadwigi Daniluk. Wyd. NeuroCentrum Lublin 2008, 21, 195208. 8. Skalska T.: Turystyka osób niepełnosprawnych: ograniczenia i możliwości rozwoju. Wyższa Szkoła Hotelarstwa, Gastronomii i Turystyki. Warszawa 2004. 9. Ślężyński J.: Sport szansą życia niepełnosprawnych. Stowarzyszenie Osób Niepełnosprawnych. Kraków 1997. 10. Wostal I.: Aktywność fizyczna niewidomych i słabo widzących. UMK w Toruniu 2013. 56 Wiesław Kurlej, Kamil Nelke, Katarzyna Staszak, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Jacek Zborowski, Monika Strzelczyk, Bohdan Gworys, Sławomir Woźniak Health behaviors of blind and visually impaired persons ABSTRACT Disabilities related with visual impairment are one of the toughest to live and functioning within the society. Handicapped persons require special approved facilities and help of third persons. Study performed on 196 responders (62 men and 134 women) with visual dysfunction were carried out in the Ophthalmologic Ambulatory in Wrocław. Direct analysis was performed after dividing responders in two age groups: 1. 16-25 and 2. 26-35 years old. Study concludes that very important factor in rehabilitation has good relations with friends and families. Responders with visual disabilities and dysfunctions have greatly beneficial health status - quite often as s result of their disability. Along with aging in responders with visual disabilities, their quality of life is not worsening. Also touristic offers should be also suitable for handicapped persons, which might lead to mutual benefits. STRESZCZENIE Niepełnosprawność związana z dysfunkcją wzroku jest jedną z najcięższych w zakresie prawidłowego funkcjonowania w społeczeństwie. Niepełnosprawni ci wymagają przystosowania do otaczających ich warunków oraz korzystania z pomocy osób trzecich. Badania przeprowadzono wśród 196 osób (62 mężczyzn i 134 kobiet) z dysfunkcją wzroku; pacjentów przychodni okulistycznej we Wrocławiu. Analizę materiału przeprowadzono w dwóch grupach wiekowych: 1. 16-25 lat i 2. 26-35 lat. Stwierdzono, że bardzo ważne znaczenie dla rehabilitacji osób z dysfunkcją wzroku mają dobre relacje z rodziną i przyjaciółmi. Osoby z dysfunkcją wzroku wykazują istotnie prozdrowotny styl życia - jest to często narzucone czynnikami wynikającymi z niepełnosprawności. Niekorzystne zmiany psychofizyczne zachodzące wraz wiekiem u osób z dysfunkcją wzroku nie przyczyniają się do pogłębienia ich niepełnosprawności. Usługi rekreacyjno-turystyczne powinny być lepiej adresowane do osób niepełnosprawnych - mogą przynieść obustronne korzyści. Artykuł zawiera 23563 znaki ze spacjami 57