Acquisition of baseline information on challenges to access health services and information by those with visual impairment and disabilities

There is limited understanding of the barriers faced by people living in South Africa with visual impairment and disabilities. In South Africa, many people living disabilities and visual impairment are often overlook in the healthcare system as patients and/or experience extreme discrimination within the society. This study sought to gather insights about the challenges faced by people with visual impairment and disabilities in self-medication utilization, accessing health services, and medical information because of the implications in the HIV & AIDS response for this vulnerable sub-population.

Objectives: To evaluate the modalities of information and knowledge gathering, To assess barriers to uptake of services for people living with visual impairment and disabilities, To evaluate the quality of pharmaceutical counseling and health services provided to people living with visual impairment and disabilities

Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive case study comprising of groups of visually impaired and disabled persons, aged between 18 - 60 years, and living in areas served by Johannesburg (JHB)Society of the Blind via: Johannesburg, Durban, Ladysmith and Escort. The data was collected via face-to-face interviews with 40 participants within the JHB Society of Blind community.

Results: Pending Results

Conclusion: The anticipated conclusion is that there is a major need to develop a better sense of awareness and build a culture of inclusion for patients with living disabilities and visual impairment in the healthcare sector and society.