Psychosocial Impact of Visual Impairment on Quality of Life Among Adults in Kano Metropolis

Visual impairment exerts profound psychosocial effects that extend beyond physical limitation, affecting mental health, social participation, employment, and family relationships. Yet the specific psychosocial dimensions of this burden have been inadequately studied in the northern Nigerian context. This study examines the psychosocial impact of visual impairment on quality of life among visually impaired adults in Kano Metropolis, North West Nigeria. A mixed-methods analytical study will be conducted. Quantitatively, 250 adults with visual impairment attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital eye clinic will be recruited and administered the World Health Organization's WHOQOL-BREF instrument alongside the Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25). Depressive symptoms will be screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Qualitatively, 20 in-depth interviews will explore lived experiences of social stigma, employment consequences, and family support dynamics. Regression analysis will identify psychosocial predictors of reduced quality of life scores. Studies from comparable African settings demonstrate higher rates of depression and social withdrawal among visually impaired individuals, yet mental health services remain largely disconnected from eye care pathways in Nigeria. The Kano context introduces additional factors including gender norms affecting women's access to support and the role of religious framing in coping with disability. This study fills an important evidence gap and advocates for the integration of psychosocial support services and depression screening into ophthalmic care at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Keywords: visual impairment, quality of life, psychosocial impact, Kano, WHOQOL-BREF