title: Determinants of social participation of visually impaired older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess determinants of social participation among visually impaired older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study included visually impaired persons (≥55 years; n = 173) who were referred to a low-vision rehabilitation center. Determinants (i.e., sociodemographic, physical, social and psychological factors, and personal values) of participation were identified in four domains of participation: (1) domestic life; (2) interpersonal interactions and relationships; (3) major life areas; and (4) community, social, and civic life. Study participants completed telephone interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Age, physical fitness, and helplessness were determinants of participation in domestic life. Social network size was associated with participation in major life areas. The personal value attached to participation (i.e., perceived importance) was a determinant of participation in interpersonal interactions and relationships, major life areas, and community, social and civic life. Vision-related characteristics (i.e., self-perceived vision and degree of visual impairment) were not associated with participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Across the participation domains, perceived importance is a major determinant of social participation among visually impaired older adults. Physical health along with social and psychological status, also affect participation. Knowing how participation is determined can be used to develop rehabilitation interventions to enhance participation of visually impaired older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands. m.a.alma@med.umcg.nl
authors.forename: Manna A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alma
authors.forename: Sijrike F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Van der Mei
authors.forename: Johan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Groothoff
authors.forename: Theo P B M
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Suurmeijer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D058992:Social Participation; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities