Nobody Joked about me... It was my Feeling that now I am Functionally Impaired: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Aftermath of Traumatic Amputation on the Social Life of Lower Limb Amputees.

OBJECTIVES: A human being is a social animal, and social interactions are pivotal in his life. After traumatic amputation, a normal and able human being becomes disabled for the rest of his entire life. Despite affecting all aspects of life, this unanticipated disability results in undeniable effects on the social relationships and social behaviour of the person. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the aftermath of traumatic amputation on the social lives of lower limb amputees.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was employed. The study was conducted at an amputee clinic of a leading tertiary care hospital in North India. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants who had undergone lower limb amputation due to trauma and were attending an amputee clinic for their follow-ups. We conducted 16 in-depth, face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated interview guide until we reached data saturation.

RESULTS: Data were analysed using the Colaizzi method of thematic analysis, and three main themes emerged: (a) self-isolation (perceived social isolation); (b) support - the core of rehabilitation and (c) spirituality - a major factor in Indian culture.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted that there is a perceived social isolation in amputees instead of actual social isolation by others in society. The study revealed spiritual support as a substantial supportive factor for the holistic rehabilitation of lower limb amputees, specifically in countries with spiritually rich traditions like India. Need-based counselling in the acute stage, family-centred care and support group intervention are the key factors for the comprehensive rehabilitation of lower limb amputees.