The Association Between Vision and/or Hearing Impairment and COVID-19 Prevention Measures in California Adults (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science)
Summary: Researchers explore associations between sensory (vision and/or hearing) impairment and COVID-19 infection and its prevention strategies using data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
The exposure of interest was sensory impairment, defined as answering “Yes” to the survey question, “Are you blind or deaf, or do you have a severe vision or hearing problem?” The primary outcome was suspected or diagnosed COVID-19. Secondary outcomes included adherence to COVID-19 mitigation strategies such as vaccination, face covering adherence, maintaining a 6-foot distance, and gathering with nonhousehold members. Authors examine the association between sensory impairment, COVID-19, and adherence to mitigation strategies, controlling age, sex, race and ethnicity, general health status, and household income.
Findings: In the 2021 CHIS adult population, individuals with hearing and/or vision impairment had an increased likelihood of suspected or diagnosed COVID-19. Though there was no difference in adhering to most prevention strategies for COVID-19, physical distancing may be more difficult for those with sensory impairment. Further studies are needed to explore risk reduction strategies for COVID-19 for those with sensory impairment.
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