Communication dynamics in campaigning against alcohol abuse among the Visually Impaired in Kenya

Abstract

Compared to the general population, People with Disabilities (PWDs) are two to four times more likely to struggle with substance abuse. Moreover, 40-50 per cent of PWDs who have visual impairment may be categorized as heavy drinkers. Nevertheless, studies on communication barriers undermining access to healthcare information resources and messages are scarce. This study investigated the challenges experienced by the visually impaired while accessing healthcare information regarding alcohol abuse. Using a purposive sampling procedure, 25 participants with Visual impairment were identified from rehabilitation centres and institutions for the PWDs within Nairobi County. Data was generated through in-depth interviews, recorded, transcribed, analyzed thematically, and presented in narrative form according to the themes. Study findings indicate that people with visual impairment experience various challenges while accessing communication messages against alcohol abuse. Most healthcare professionals lack the skills to communicate effectively through Braille with people with visual impairment. The visually impaired also encountered mobility challenges to or within the venues where alcohol communication campaigns were conducted. The prohibitive cost of acquiring essential communication gadgets, such as the Braille, and the scarceness of other necessary equipment acted as barriers too. Furthermore, socio-cultural dynamics such as gendered socialization affected the perceived need for information on Alcohol. Most male participants believed that they were self-sufficient; hence, alcohol-addicted visually impaired males were not interested in accessing messages against alcohol abuse. This paper highlights the need to consider special groups such as the Visually Impaired while designing health communication messages in campaigns against alcohol abuse.