The Problems and Coping strategies among Visually Challenged Children

A study to assess the problems and coping strategies among visually challenged children within the age group of 15-18 years in a selected blind school at Chennai. The conceptual framework of the study was developed on the basis of Modified Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model. The study variable was male adolescent visually challenged children. An extensive review of literature and guidance by experts formed the foundations to the development of the study instrument. Research questionnaire were used to assess the problems and coping strategies among visually challenged children to achieve the objectives of the study. The present study was conducted in a selected blind school at Chennai, with a sample size of 100. The sample were selected through non – probability convenient sampling technique. The investigator used demographic variables proforma, check list and coping scale for assessing problems and coping strategies to collect the data. The data collections tools were validated and reliability was established. The data was collected by using the interview method from visually challenged children. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Demographic characteristics revealed that 33% of visually challenged children were 17 years, 32% were studying 11th standard, 67% belongs to Hindu family, 71% living in nuclear family, 28% of their fathers had primary education, 31% of their mothers had primary education, 61% of their family income was below Rs.5000, 64% of them are blind from birth itself and 59% of their family members were not blind. It was noted that, 63 (63%) of the visually challenged children had mild problems 37 (37%) had moderate problem and none of them had severe problem. It was also revealed that, only 3 (3%) of visually challenged children had low coping, 72 (72%) of them had moderate coping and 25% of them had high coping. It also revealed that the negative correlation existed between problems and coping strategies. There was no significant correlation between problems and coping strategies, hence the null hypothesis was accepted. The study also revealed that the significant association between level of problems with age and education of visually challenged children at p < 0.05, p < 0.000 hence the null hypothesis was rejected. It also shows none of the other demographic variables had association with level of problems, hence the null hypothesis was accepted. Association between level of coping among visually challenged children and demographic variables were not significant, hence the null hypothesis was accepted. The visually challenged children had 74% of social problems at mild level. They were having less interaction with society so by creating awareness among care givers and by providing psychological guidance and counseling to visually challenged children, the social problems could be reduced. 72% of visually challenged children are in the level of moderate coping, they need to improve their coping strategies to met their problems by social interaction, sharing problem with others, and prayers