Physical Activity, Self-efficacy and Health-related Quality of Life among Adults with Visual Impairments

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between self-efficacy for exercise, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with visual impairments. Materials and Methods: Adults with visual impairments were invited via email through two visual impairment organizations in the United States to complete four questionnaires: (a) the international physical activity questionnaire-short form, (b) the self-efficacy to exercise behaviors scale, (c) the medical outcomes study short form health survey, and (d) a demographic questionnaire. One hundred fifty-nine participants (Mage = 44.77) provided complete surveys for analyses. Data were analyzed using three components: (a) a descriptive analysis, (b) a confirmatory factor analysis, and (c) a test of a hypothesized structural model. Results: Both self-efficacy and HRQoL were tenable among this population with two item removals. Self-efficacy had a direct association (beta = 0.26), and an indirect association (beta = 0.17) with HRQoL which was mediated by participants' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA was positively associated with psychological health (beta = 0.17), but not with physical health. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that self-efficacy can both directly and indirectly, through MVPA, influence HRQoL among adults with visual impairments. This study supports the utilization of self-efficacy based interventions to promote physical activity and thus impact HRQoL among adults with visual impairments.