Quality of life in war-related hip disarticulation in Iran.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in veterans with hip disarticulation suffered during the Iran-Iraq War.

METHODS

All war-related injured with hip disarticulation were invited to a 7-day recreational camp. Of 183 subjects, 76 participated in this study. The impact of hip disarticulation on quality of life was measured using the 36-item short form health survey and compared with the scores of the general public.

RESULTS

Mean age at the time of interview was 44.1±6.98 years. The lowest score of health-related quality of life subscales was bodily pain (32.88±33.20). The health-related quality of life in veterans with hip disarticulation was significantly lower than the general public in all subscales (p<0.05), with the exception of vitality (p=0.114).

CONCLUSION

Veterans with hip disarticulation due to war suffer from poor health-related quality of life. Appropriate interventions and rehabilitation programs are recommended to enhance quality of life in such patients.