Abstract
ObjectiveLower limb amputation not only causes major disfigurement, but renders people less mobile and at risk of loss of independence. Yet with appropriate rehabilitation, many people can learn to walk or function again and live high quality lives. This study sought to explore the experiences of patients with diabetes-related lower limb amputation at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. An exploratory study design was adopted using a qualitative approach and a purposive sampling to select 10 participants for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used with an in-depth face-to-face interview. The interview was tape-recorded with an audio recorder while notes were taken in addition to the audio recording.ResultsThere were varying degrees of experiences ranging from physical as well as psychological and economic challenges. Amputees had to cope with playing entirely new roles after the amputation. They also experienced some economic challenges which were as a result of their inability to work. Some of the amputees consoled themselves with the fact that, despite their condition, they were better than other people. Others believed that whatever happened was Gods doing and nothing could be done about it. This self-consolation and the belief in God helped them to cope.
Highlights
Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger [1]
Despite advances in medicine and surgery, amputation continues to be a large problem among adults which has resulted in more than 900,000 people living with minor limb loss worldwide [3]
Most amputations occur as a result of Diabetes Miletus which is a metabolic
Summary
Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger [1]. Lower limb amputation does disfigure, but renders people less mobile and may lead to loss of independence [2]. Despite advances in medicine and surgery, amputation continues to be a large problem among adults which has resulted in more than 900,000 people living with minor limb loss worldwide [3]. Most amputations occur as a result of Diabetes Miletus which is a metabolic. It is estimated that about 145,299 people have been amputated in Ghana [15]. Little has been done on the experiences of patients who have undergone diabetes-related lower limb amputation. This study was conducted to explore the experiences of persons living with diabetes related amputations to serve as a blueprint for further conclusive studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
