Questionnaire-Based Assessment of the Impact of Lower Limb Amputation on Community Reintegration in Kamrup Metro

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of non-traumatic lower limb amputation on participants during their reintegration into the community in Kamrup Metro is unknown. To explore the experiences and perceptions of people with lower limb amputations from the Kamrup metropolitan area on the impact that their amputations had on their lives and their Return to their communities.
Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data on 50 purposively selected participants. A General Inductive Approach was used to generate or discover themes within the data using systematic coding.
Results: Psychological, social, and religious themes emerged from the qualitative data. Suicidal thoughts, dependence, poor acceptance, public perception of body image, phantom limb-related falls, and hopes of obtaining prostheses were reported. Some reported poor social involvement due to mobility problems and employment concerns, while their families and friends were found to be supportive. The participants had faith in God.
Conclusion: Generally, most participants had come to terms with the amputation and were managing well, while some expressed that they were struggling with reintegration into their communities of origin three months postoperatively, with both functional and psychosocial challenges..