Jaffré Y, Moumouni A
Projet d'Appui à la Division de l'Education pour la Santé, Niamey, Niger.
Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 1993;86(4):295-9.
From an epidemiological point of view, blindness refers to a visual acuity inferior to 1/20 in each eye. Though such a definition is necessary for the installation of public health programs, it is insufficient as far as the elaboration of actions aimed at prevention and rehabilitation are concerned. Qualitative data reveal that a similar physical deficiency is lived in various ways according to precise social context. In addition to the physical handicap objectively defended and to its social interpretation, the same must also be analysed in the light of another important linking factor; the individuals' social status and specific task and obligations of various groups in a given population. Considered together, these factors provide a better understanding of the social condition of blind persons, their economic and matrimonial resulting in the conception of appropriate health programs.
从流行病学的角度来看，失明是指每只眼睛的视力低于1/20。尽管这样的定义对于公共卫生项目的设立是必要的，但就制定预防和康复措施而言，它是不够的。定性数据表明，根据具体的社会背景，类似的身体缺陷有着不同的体验方式。除了客观存在的身体残疾及其社会解读外，还必须根据另一个重要的关联因素进行分析；即个人的社会地位以及特定人群中不同群体的具体任务和义务。综合考虑这些因素，能更好地理解盲人的社会状况、他们的经济和婚姻状况，从而构思出合适的健康项目。
