Effect of using assistive technology on healthy lifestyle of visually impaired students

Abstract

Background: Assistive Technology (AT) can significantly contribute to improving various aspects of visually impaired students’ lives. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using assistive technology on healthy lifestyle among visually impaired students. Design: A quasi-experimental design with a one group pre/post-test was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at El–Noor School for visually impaired students in Cairo governorate affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Cairo governorate. Sample: A multi-stage cluster sample of 50 students was included. Data collection tool: Three tools were used for data collection: Tool (I) student’s personal data questionnaire, Tool (II) healthy lifestyle knowledge questionnaire, and Tool (III) Healthy lifestyle practices scale. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between pre and post-total knowledge and practice scores of visually impaired students regarding healthy lifestyle, with P <0.001. Conclusions: The educational program incorporating AT had a significant positive effect on students’ total knowledge and practice scores, as demonstrated by increased total mean scores in post-tests compared to pretest mean scores. Recommendations: Implement health education initiatives to enhance the knowledge and understanding of healthy lifestyle practices among teachers and school administrators in visually impaired schools and conduct a follow-up assessment to validate the long-term effect of using AT on improving the healthy lifestyle of students with visual disabilities.