Identification of barriers in the reintegration of Pakistan military amputees at the workplace: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Many soldiers and officers of Pakistan army have suffered major limb loss in the war against terrorism. Amputee rehabilitation leads to successful community reintegration but certain barriers can hinder this process. This study aims to identify barriers in the reintegration of Pakistan military amputees at their workplace and to suggest remedial measures. Cross-sectional survey was planned and hospital ethics committee approval was obtained. Two part survey was constructed consisting of demographics and questions about the possible barriers in the workplace. Fifty-eight military amputees (20–60 years, with disability class A and B due to major amputation of a limb) were approached and requested to fill in the questionnaire after explaining the rationale and possible benefits of the study. Response rate was 100%. All patients were males. Most of the patients had transtibial amputation (41). Majority were matriculate and earned between Rs 20,000–40,000 (53.4%) All patients were provided with latest modular prosthesis of Ottobock (Germany) and Ossur (USA), free of cost with life time maintenance and replacement by AFIRM. Majority of the patients had accessible washrooms in units, could ambulate independently, were confident after provision of prosthesis and were spared by their units for timely follow-up. Amputee rehabilitation can lead to successful and complete community reintegration. Pakistan army is providing comprehensive amputee rehabilitation services to those who sustain a limb loss. However, certain barriers can hinder the rehabilitation process and it is important to identify and remove these barriers for better functional outcomes in amputees.