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The ability of individuals with visual impairment to recognize an obstacle by hearing is called "obstacle sense". This ability is facilitated while they are moving, though the exact reason remains unknown. This study aims to clarify which acoustical factors may contribute to obstacle sense, especially obstacle distance perception. First, we conducted a comparative experiment regarding obstacle distance localization by individuals who are blind (N = 5, five men with blindness aged 22-42 (average: 29.8)) while they were standing and walking. The results indicate that the localized distance was more accurate while walking than while standing. Subsequently, the head rotation angle while walking and acoustic characteristics with respect to obstacle distance and head rotation angle were investigated. The peaks of the absolute head rotation angle during walking ranged from 2.78° to 11.11° (average: 6.55°, S.D.: 2.05°). Regarding acoustic characteristics, acoustic coloration occurred, and spectral interaural differences and interaural intensity differences were observed in the blind participants (N = 4, four men including two blind and two control sighted persons aged 25-38 (average: 30.8)). To determine which acoustic factors contribute, we examined the threshold of changes for interaural differences in time (ITD) and intensity (IID) (N = 11, seven men and four women with blindness aged 21-35 (average: 27.4)), as well as coloration (ICD) (N = 6, seven men and a woman with blindness aged 21-38 (average: 29.9))-depending on the head rotation. Notably, ITD and IID thresholds were 86.2 µs and 1.28 dB; the corresponding head rotation angles were 23.5° and 9.17°, respectively. The angle of the ICD threshold was 6.30° on average. Consequently, IID might be a contributing factor and ICD can be utilized as the cue facilitating the obstacle distance perception while walking.
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PURPOSE: Visually impaired people (VIP) find it challenging to understand and gain awareness of their surroundings. Most activities require the use of the auditory or tactile senses. As such, assistive systems which are capable of aiding visually impaired people to understand, navigate and form a mental representation of their environment are extensively being studied and developed. The aim of this paper is to provide insight regarding the characteristics, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of different types of sonification strategies in assistive systems, to assess their suitability for certain use-cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To this end, we reviewed a sizeable number of assistive solutions for VIP which provide a form of auditory feedback to the user, encountered in different scientific databases (Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM and Google Scholar) through direct searches and cross-referencing. RESULTS: We classified these solutions based on the aural information they provide to the VIP - alerts, guidance and information about their environment, be it spatial or semantic. Our intention is not to provide an exhaustive review, but to select representative implementations from recent literature that highlight the particularities of each sonification approach. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, anyone who is intent on developing an assistive solution will be able to choose the desired sonification class, being aware of the advantages/disadvantages and at the same time having a fairly wide selection of articles from the representative class.
The motivation behind this paper is to provide an overview of sonification strategies in the context of assistive systems for the visually impaired people.Whilst surveys and reviews which provide in-depth insights into assistive technologies and sonification exist, papers which provide a combined view of these topics are rather lacking.The analysis of the selected papers provides insight regarding the characteristics of different types of sonification strategies in assistive systems for visually impaired people and their suitability for certain use-cases.
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Purpose: Visual impairment poses significant challenges in daily life, especially when navigating unfamiliar environments, resulting in inequalities and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the needs and perspectives of visually impaired people in sports-related contexts through surveys and focus groups, and to understand whether their needs are being met by current technological solutions.Materials and methods: To accomplish this, opinions gathered from focus groups and interviews were compared to the technological solutions found in the literature. Since many unmet needs were identified, participants from associations and organizations were asked to identify key characteristics for the development of a robot guide. The results underscored the paramount importance of an easy-to-use guide that offers accurate and personalized assistance. Participants expressed a strong desire for advanced features such as object recognition and navigation in complex environments, as well as adaptability to the user's speed while providing the necessary safety features to ensure a high level of autonomy.Results: This research serves as a bridge between technological advances and the needs of the visually impaired, contributing to a more accessible and inclusive society. By addressing the unique challenges faced by the visually impaired individuals and tailoring technology to meet their needs, this study takes a significant step toward reducing disparities and improving the independence and quality of life for this community.Conclusions: As technology continues to advance, it has the potential to be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers and fostering a world where everyone, regardless of their visual ability, can navigate the world with confidence and ease.
Inclusive design: Recognizing the importance of incorporating the unique requirements and perspectives of visually impaired individuals can guide the development of rehabilitation technology and services, ensuring they effectively support daily activities and active participation in sports and physical pursuits.Tailored-assistive technology: Understanding the specific needs of visually impaired individuals with regards to assistive technology, such as dependable robotic guides and essential features, can inform the design and customization of rehabilitation aids to enhance mobility and independence.Promising technologies: Exploring promising technologies like Aira, Be My Eyes, RoboCart, and Wayband can inspire the integration of these innovations into rehabilitation programs, facilitating better orientation, mobility, and accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.Continued research and development: Emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research and development efforts underscores the importance of advancing rehabilitation solutions that effectively address the distinct needs of visually impaired individuals, particularly in navigating unfamiliar environments.
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RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver tecnologias educacionais sobre pré-natal com e para mulheres deficientes visuais. Método: Estudo metodológico com interface participativa e abordagem qualitativa. Realizado em uma Unidade Técnica Especializada no município de Belém, Pará, Brasil. A produção de dados ocorreu entre agosto e setembro de 2021 com seis mulheres. Utilizou-se o DOSVOX como recurso de comunicação para que as participantes respondessem quatro instrumentos com vistas ao desenvolvimento das tecnologias. A análise foi de conteúdo temático. Resultados: As mulheres com deficiência visual querem respeito à sua autonomia, inclusão e informação dos profissionais. As tecnologias produzidas apontam as demandas específicas de mulheres com deficiência visual e a importância de preservar a autonomia durante a realização do pré-natal. Conclusão: Tecnologias produzidas de forma participativa apontam perspectivas e necessidades específicas das mulheres sobre o pré-natal e poderão subsidiar tanto o agir dos enfermeiros nas consultas como favorecer mulheres com deficiência visual durante o pré-natal.
ABSTRACT Objective: To develop educational technologies on prenatal care with and for visually impaired women. Method: A methodological study with a participatory interface and qualitative approach. It was carried out at a Specialized Technical Unit in the municipality of Belém, Pará, Brazil. Data production took place between August and September 2021 with six women. DOSVOX was used as a communication resource for the participants to answer four instruments with a view to developing the technologies. The analysis was of the thematic content type. Results: Women with visual impairment want respect for their autonomy, inclusion, and information from the professionals. The technologies produced point to the specific demands of visually impaired women and to the importance of preserving autonomy during prenatal care. Conclusion: Technologies produced in a participatory way point out women's specific perspectives and needs regarding prenatal care and may support both the nurses' actions in consultations and favor women with visual impairment during prenatal care.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Desarrollar tecnologías educativas sobre el control prenatal con y para mujeres con discapacidad visual. Método: Estudio metodológico con interfaz participativa y enfoque cualitativo. Realizado en una Unidad Técnica Especializada de la ciudad de Belém, Pará, Brasil. La producción de datos se realizó entre agosto y septiembre de 2021 con seis mujeres. Se utilizó DOSVOX como recurso de comunicación para que las participantes respondieran a cuatro instrumentos a fin de desarrollar las tecnologías. El análisis fue de contenido temático. Resultados: Las mujeres con discapacidad visual quieren que se respete su autonomía, inclusión e información por parte de los profesionales. Las tecnologías creadas ponen de manifiesto las demandas específicas de las mujeres con discapacidad visual y la importancia de preservar la autonomía durante el control prenatal. Conclusión: Las tecnologías creadas de manera participativa señalan las perspectivas y necesidades específicas de las mujeres con respecto al cuidado prenatal y pueden ayudar a los enfermeros en las consultas y a las mujeres con discapacidad visual durante el control prenatal.
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ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate scientific evidence about existing health education technologies for people with visual impairment. Method: integrative review performed in MEDLINE/pubmed, CINAHL, LILACS databases, via Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library, in November 2021. Results: 18 articles were identified, of which eight were published in nursing journals. Regarding the countries that were research sites, ten studies were published in Brazil and the others in countries such as the United States, Iran, India, Turkey and Portugal. The most addressed themes of the technologies were sexual and reproductive health and oral health. The others were about breastfeeding, occupational health, hypertension, diabetes and drugs. Regarding the types of accessibility resources used in the technologies, the use of audio, through text or CD, prevailed in ten studies, and resources that explored the tactile sense through anatomical didactic prototypes, educational manuals with embossed figures and different textures, in nine articles. Other accessibility features were audio description, technologies mediated by the use of the Internet and/or computer, and braille printed materials. Methodological studies predominated and, in fourteen studies, the application of technology with visual impaired people occurred. Conclusion: the studies showed adequacy and feasibility regarding the health education technologies developed for people with visual impairment, because they offer knowledge about the proposed themes and equal access to educational materials for this group.
Objetivo: investigar la evidencia científica sobre tecnologías existentes y/o tecnologías que se utilizan para la educación en salud de personas con discapacidad visual. Método: revisión integradora realizada en las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, vía Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Web of Science, Scopus y Cochrane Library, en noviembre de 2021. Resultados: se identificaron 18 artículos, de los cuales ocho estudios fueron publicados en revistas de enfermería. En cuanto a los países que fueron sitios de investigación, diez estudios fueron publicados en Brasil y los demás en países como Estados Unidos, Irán, India, Turquía y Portugal. Los temas más abordados por las tecnologías fueron la salud sexual y reproductiva y la salud bucal. Los otros eran sobre lactancia materna, salud ocupacional, presión arterial alta, diabetes y drogas. En cuanto a los tipos de recursos de accesibilidad utilizados en las tecnologías, predominó en diez estudios el uso de audio, a través de texto o CD, y recursos que exploraron el sentido táctil de los invidentes, a través de prototipos didácticos anatómicos, manuales didácticos con figuras en alto relieve y diferentes texturas, en nueve artículos. Otros recursos de accesibilidad fueron la audiodescripción, las tecnologías mediadas por el uso de internet y/o la computadora y los materiales impresos en braille. Predominaron los estudios metodológicos y, en catorce estudios, la tecnología se aplicó a personas con discapacidad visual. Conclusión: los estudios demostraron la idoneidad y factibilidad de las tecnologías desarrolladas para la educación en salud de personas con discapacidad visual, ya que ofrecen conocimiento sobre los temas propuestos y acceso equitativo a los materiales educativos para este grupo.
RESUMO Objetivo: investigar as evidências científicas acerca das tecnologias existentes e/ou que são utilizadas para educação em saúde de pessoas com deficiência visual. Método: revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Web of Science, Scopus e Cochrane Library, em novembro de 2021. Resultados: identificaram-se 18 artigos, dos quais oito estudos foram publicados em periódicos de enfermagem. Acerca dos países que foram locais de pesquisa, dez estudos foram publicados no Brasil e os demais em países como Estados Unidos, Irã, Índia, Turquia e Portugal. Os temas mais abordados pelas tecnologias foram saúde sexual e reprodutiva e saúde bucal. Os demais versaram sobre amamentação, saúde ocupacional, hipertensão arterial, diabetes e drogas. Quanto aos tipos de recursos de acessibilidade empregados nas tecnologias, prevaleceu o uso do áudio, através de texto ou CD, em dez estudos, e de recursos que exploraram o sentido tátil do cego, por meio de protótipos didáticos anatômicos, manuais educativos com figuras em alto relevo e texturas diferentes, em nove artigos. Outros recursos de acessibilidade foram audiodescrição, tecnologias mediadas pelo uso da internet e/ou do computador e materiais impressos em Braille. Predominaram estudos metodológicos e, em quatorze estudos, ocorreu a aplicação da tecnologia com as pessoas com deficiência visual. Conclusão: os estudos mostraram adequabilidade e viabilidade das tecnologias desenvolvidas para educação em saúde de pessoas com deficiência visual, por oferecerem conhecimento sobre os temas propostos e igualdade de acesso a materiais educativos para este grupo.
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Introduction: Eyesight can be considered a major human interaction promoter in motor, perceptual and mental activities and its loss can cause social environment changes. Objective: To evaluate and determine Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) in visually impaired individuals, as well as to provide information to promote oral health, to verify the effectiveness of educational activities for index change and to promote the social inclusion of visually impaired people. Material and methods: Study population was constituted by 28 visually impaired people of both genders, aged from 14 to 75 years old, residents and students at the Parana Institute for the Blind (IPC), Curitiba (PR, Brazil). The study was conducted in three stages. At first, the participants individually answered a questionnaire, performed tooth brushing and then the disclosure of oral biofilm was made, as well as the evaluation of Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, oral hygiene instruction and supervised toothbrushing. The second step was performed after seven days and the third after thirty days to reassess the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index to check whether there would a change in their values. Participants were divided into two groups according to Simplified Oral Hygiene Index: those who had only bacterial plaque and those who had plaque and calculus. Results: At the first day, patients with plaque and calculus had initial OHI-S mean of 2.3 (regular), 2.1 (regular) after seven days, and 2.4 (regular) after one month. Patients with only plaque at the first day had an average OHI-S of 0.71 (regular), 0.74 (regular) after seven days, and 0.78 (regular) after one month. Conclusion: Within this context, it is possible to understand that it is necessary to implement frequent supervised toothbrushing, oral instruction and motivation activities to promote wellness and health for these patients.
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OBJETIVO: avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida de adolescentes escolares com deficiência física, visual e auditiva. MÉTODOS: tratou-se de um estudo descritivo e de corte transversal com 98 adolescentes entre 10 e 19 anos, em 26 instituições de ensino público estadual do Recife-PE. Para avaliação da qualidade de vida foi utilizado o questionário de avaliação abreviado da qualidade de vida da organização mundial de saúde. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada a estatística descritiva e inferencial, aplicando-se os testes Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, com p<0,05. RESULTADOS: observou-se uma menor percepção da qualidade de vida global e nos domínios meio ambiente e físico dos adolescentes com deficiência física em relação aos deficientes visuais e auditivos. No tocante aos domínios, tanto entre os deficientes físicos, visuais e os auditivos, os menores escores apresentados foram os do meio ambiente. Os maiores escores apresentados para os deficientes físicos, visuais e auditivos foram nas relações sociais. Os escolares inseridos em sala especial, do gênero feminino e não residentes com os pais obtiveram uma menor percepção da qualidade de vida nos domínios psicológico, meio ambiente, relações sociais e qualidade de vida global. CONCLUSÃO: os adolescentes com deficiência inseridos em salas especiais apresentaram-se como o grupo mais vulnerável na percepção da qualidade de vida global e nos domínios psicológico, social e meio ambiente entre os escolares investigados, sugerindo a necessidade de atenção pública e melhoria das condições de acessibilidade e segurança desta população. .
PURPOSE: to assess the perception of quality of life of adolescent students with physical, visual and hearing disabilities. METHODS: this is a descriptive study, with cross-sectional cutting, with 98 adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years, in 26 state public educational institutions in the municipality of Recife-PE. In order to assess the quality of life, we made use of the Short Form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life. For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistics, by applying the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with p<0,05. RESULTS: we have observed a lower perception of global quality of life in the physical and environmental domains of adolescents with physical disabilities in relation to the ones who were visually and hearing impaired. Regarding the domains, whether among people with physical, visual and hearing impairments, the lowest presented scores were the ones related to environment. The highest scores presented for the people with physical, visual and hearing impairments were in social relationships. The students inserted in special rooms, females and who did not live with their parents showed a lower perception of quality of life in the domains "psychological", "environment", "social relationships" and "global quality of life". CONCLUSION: the adolescents with disabilities placed in special rooms presented themselves as the most vulnerable group in the perception of global quality of life in the domains "psychological", "social relationships" and "environment" among the investigated students, which suggests the need for public awareness and improvement of the conditions of accessibility and safety of this population. .
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Doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DSTs) podem ser prevenidas por meio do comportamento e do sexo seguro. Objetivou-se compreender o comportamento de cegos e cegas diante da problemática das DSTs, comparando semelhanças e diferenças. Estudo descritivo realizado em uma associação de cegos de Fortaleza, entre setembro e novembro de 2005, com sete cegos e quatro cegas acima de 18 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista utilizando-se questão norteadora e o tratamento destes deu-se via análise de conteúdo. Os dados foram organizados em dois temas: Uso do preservativo e Conhecimentos sobre saúde sexual. Quanto ao uso do preservativo para o sexo masculino, as alterações na sensibilidade, dificuldades práticas de uso e a confiança na parceira são causas de não uso, apesar da consciência sobre as DSTs. Entre as cegas, as causas são a confiança no parceiro justificada pelo não uso do preservativo, mas adotado pelo medo de gravidez indesejada. O tema Conhecimentos em saúde sexual confirma a superficialidade e presença de tabus e mitos para os dois sexos. Tais resultados alertam para a necessidade de iniciativas com enfoque na promoção da saúde de maneira acessível a esta população também exposta a fatores de risco para DSTs/AIDS.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can be prevented through safe behavior and sex. This study aimed to understand the behavior of blind men and women in view of the STD problem, comparing similarities and differences. A descriptive study was carried out in an association of blind people in Fortaleza, Brazil, between September and November of 2005, involving seven blind men and four blind women over 18 years old. Data were collected through interviews, using a guiding question and content analysis was used for data treatment. The data were organized in: Condom use and Sexual health knowledge. As to condom use for men, sensitivity changes, practical usage difficulties and trust in the partner are causes of non-use, despite awareness about STD. Among blind women, trust in the partner justified not using a condom. Women use condoms when they are afraid of an unwanted pregnancy. The Sexual health knowledge theme confirms the superficiality and presence of taboos and myths for both genders. These results alert about the need for initiatives focusing on health promotion in a way accessible to this population, which is also exposed to risk factors of STD/AIDS.
Se pueden prevenir las enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) mediante el comportamiento y el sexo seguro. La finalidad fue comprender el comportamiento de ciegos y ciegas ante la problemática de las EST, comparando similitudes y diferencias. Estudio descriptivo realizado en una asociación de ciegos de Fortaleza, Brasil, de septiembre a noviembre de 2005, con siete ciegos y cuatro ciegas con más de 18 años. La colecta de datos he sido realizada por entrevista con una cuestión orientadora y el análisis de contenido fue utilizado para tratar los datos. Los datos se organizaron en: Uso del preservativo y Conocimientos sobre salud sexual. En cuanto al Uso del preservativo para el sexo masculino, las alteraciones en la sensibilidad, dificultades prácticas de uso y la confianza en la pareja son causas de no uso, a pesar de la consciencia de las EST. Entre las ciegas, las causas son la confianza en la pareja justificada por el no uso del preservativo y adoptado por el miedo de embarazo indeseado. El tema Conocimientos en salud sexual confirma la superficialidad y presencia de tabúes y mitos para los dos sexos. Esos resultados alertan para la necesidad de iniciativas con enfoque en la promoción de la salud de manera accesible a esta población que también está expuesta a factores de riesgo para EST/SIDA.