The lived experiences of adults with a visual impairment who experience fatigue when performing daily activities

Kim Bakker, Esther Steultjens, Lee Price

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Introduction: Little is known about fatigue experienced by adults with a visual impairment and the impact this can have on their daily activities. This study explored the lived experiences of adults with a visual impairment who experience fatigue when performing daily activities. The aim was to enhance occupational therapists’ knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon and to suggest future interventions for clients who have a visual impairment and fatigue. Method: An interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed. Five adults with a visual impairment who experienced fatigue were recruited via purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, which were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Findings: Three superordinate themes emerged: causes, expressions and perceptions of fatigue; fatigue in daily life; and managing activities of daily living. The findings suggest that although fatigue challenges the performance of activities and roles, and thus occupational balance, the participants applied strategies to manage and adapt to fatigue, limiting its consequences. Conclusion: The findings have implications for occupational therapists’ adoption of person-centred interventions. We can learn from the participants’ experiences to explore the individual needs of future clients to facilitate person-centred strategies that match the individual and their experience of fatigue, and to promote balance in performance of their daily activities.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)485-492
    Number of pages8
    JournalThe British Journal of Occupational Therapy
    Volume82
    Issue number8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 3 May 2019

    Keywords

    • Fatigue
    • visual impairment
    • daily activities
    • occupational balance
    • interpretative phenomenological analysis
    • adaptation
    • occupational therapy

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