Investigation of Body Image and Quality of Life of Patients with Lower Limb Amputation: Problems Experienced of Patients

Abstract

Background: Problems related to quality of life and body images of amputee patients are important.

Aims: This study was performed to assess body image and quality of life with  problems experienced of patients with lower limb amputation. 

Materials and  Methods: This study was performed using mixed quantitative dominant study  design. The study was carried out in orthopedics and  cardiovascular surgery units of  a university hospital. Quantitative data were  collected from 30 patients via  questionnaires including the Short Form36 Quality of  Life (SF-36 QoL) and Amputee  Body Image Scale (ABIS) tools. Qualitative data were  gathered from 20 patients  using an interview form. In this research, quantitative  data have been analyzed by  using a statistical program and qualitative data have  been analyzed by using content  analysis. 

Results: Age mean of 30 patients with  amputation 47.23±16.08.  They were 80 % male, 70% have a chronic illness, 63.3%  knee disarticulation or  transfemoral amputation, and 53.3% use prosthetic. The  average SF-36 QoL sub- dimension scores of the patients were: physical 30.11±20.00,  social 36.66±27.45,  physical roles 18.33±30.03, emotional roles  37.77±22.71, mental health 48.0±22.89,  vitality 36.50±20.64, pain 48.13±28.33, and  general health 43.96±28.59. The ABIS  average score was 60.1±19.62. The most  common problem of patients after  amputation involves issues related to motion.  Three main categories of patients  experience with amputation were designated that  the reactions after learning that  the amputation will be done, problems  experienced in the early period after  amputation and postdischarge problems.  

Conclusions: Quality of life of patients  with amputation was below the intermediate  level. Deterioration in body image  perception was above average. The  most common problem after amputation was  issues related mobilization.  Training related the amputation process and social  support might significantly  reduce problems with amputation.