Quality of Life and Life after Amputation among Amputees in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Amputation is a life-changing surgical procedure that can cause significant disruptions in the quality of life of an individual.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with limb amputations in Lagos.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study carried out among amputees recruited from two tertiary institutions and roadsides in Lagos state. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demography, medical history, and postamputation health status. Also, a short form (SF-12V2) health questionnaire was used to assess their quality of life.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-four (254) subjects with extremity amputation, aged 18-75 years with a mean age of 47.82 ± 11.53 years were studied. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The commonest age group of the amputees was 45-60 years (52%). The commonest indication for amputation was diabetic gangrene (126 [49.6%]) and trauma (90 [35.4%]). Postamputation, 98 (38%) were employed, and 117 (75%) of those unemployed resorted to begging as a means of livelihood. While 57 (22.4%) used prostheses frequently, 68 (26%) did not want prostheses as they supposed that it negatively affected their begging business. Female amputees have a statistically significantly better quality of life than males in the physical (r = 0.03) and mental components (r = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

A proper rehabilitation program, the use of prostheses, and adequate employment opportunities would improve the quality of life of amputees.