ISSN : 2663-2187

The Effect of a Healthy Lifestyle Practices Educational Program on the Quality of Life of Visually Impaired and Blind Students at El-Nour School in Port Said City

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Heba Elsaid Mohammed, Mona Abd-Elsabour Hassan, Magda Ali Mohamed
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.8.1.2026.84-105

Abstract

Background: Visually impaired and blind students face distinctive challenges in adopting healthy lifestyle practices, which may negatively affect their physical, psychological, and social well-being and ultimately reduce their quality of life. Tailored health education programs that address their specific needs are therefore essential to promote healthy behaviors, enhance independence, and improve overall life outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a healthy lifestyle practices educational program on the quality of life of visually impaired and blind students at El-Nour School in Port Said City. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments were utilized. The study included 50 visually impaired and blind students enrolled at El-Nour School. Data were collected using three tools: (1) a structured interview questionnaire to assess sociodemographic characteristics and medical history; (2) a health-related lifestyle practices scale covering nutrition, physical activity, stress management, interpersonal relations, spiritual growth, personal hygiene, and sleep patterns; and (3) the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale to assess quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Results: The findings revealed statistically significant improvements in students’ overall quality of life and health-related lifestyle practices following the educational program (p ≤ 0.05). Marked improvements were observed in nutrition, physical activity, stress management, interpersonal relations, and spiritual growth. In contrast, personal hygiene and sleep patterns showed minimal and non-significant changes. A positive correlation was identified between total lifestyle practice scores and quality of life scores, which strengthened during the post-intervention and follow-up phases. Conclusion: The healthy lifestyle practices educational program had a substantial positive effect on improving the quality of life and health-related lifestyle behaviors of visually impaired and blind students. Recommendations: It is recommended that tailored healthy lifestyle education programs be integrated into school curricula for visually impaired students, with continuous psychological and social support and active involvement of families and community health nurses to sustain positive outcomes

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