Participation and quality of life for persons with oculomotor impairments after acquired brain injury

Introduction Acquired brain injury is a major diagnostic group treated by occupational therapists. This study explored participation in everyday activities and social roles, and quality of life for persons with acquired brain injury-related oculomotor impairments. Method Using a cross-sectional descriptive approach, 40 rehabilitation outpatients with acquired brain injury-related oculomotor impairments underwent semi-structured interviews using self-report measures of visual symptoms (ABI Vision Questionnaire), quality of life (PROMIS Global Health Scale), and participation (Assessment of Life Habits). Descriptive, correlational, and simple regression statistics were used for analysis. Results Visual symptoms were significant for 96.7% of the participants. Physical and mental quality of life scores were one standard deviation below population norms. Participation areas identified as very difficult or harder for 82% or more included recreation, education, work, home maintenance, and volunteering. Approximately 68% or more identified communicating in a group, reading, computer use, and driving as very difficult. Correlations between scores of visual symptoms and participation, and visual symptoms and physical quality of life, showed significant moderate negative relationships. Regression analyses indicated visual symptoms explained about half the measured difficulties in participation. Conclusion Awareness of the activities and roles that are likely to be disrupted by acquired brain injury-related oculomotor impairments enables occupational therapists to direct therapy where it matters most. Findings highlight the identified symptoms and participation areas.