A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychological Interventions for Persons With Hearing or Vision Impairment: Research Gaps and Call to Action

Objectives: Persons with a hearing or vision impairment (HI/VI) have an elevated risk of mental health problems. Several studies have examined the efficacy of psychological interventions on the mental health of both populations. However, evidence-based research on the efficacy of psychological interventions for these populations is still in the early stages. For these reasons, this study, the first meta-analysis of psychological interventions for persons with either a HI or a VI, was undertaken. Method: The meta-analysis involved a database search and effect-size calculation using a random-effects model. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis in order to assess the state of research on high-quality studies. Results: The analysis showed significant effects for mental health outcomes in RCTs for persons with HI or VI, d = 0.14, 11 studies, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.02, 0.25], and RCTs for persons with HI (d = 0.82, two studies, 95% CI [0.32, 1.32]). RCTs for persons with VI showed no significant effects (d = 0.05, nine studies, 95% CI [-0.03, 0.12]) and for a subgroup analysis for depression and anxiety. Discussion: Due to the small number of RCTs and methodological limitations of the studies, the evidence for the effects are questionable and further research focusing on mental health care for persons with HI or VI is necessary.