Quality of Life and Its Related Factors Among Amputees in Babylon Province, Iraq

Abstract

Objectives: Disability is a social problem with multiple interrelated aspects, including medical, psychological, social, and rehabilitative. The number of people with disabilities has increased recently, despite the great advances in the medical field. This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) among amputees and its relations with some independent variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 amputees registered in the Babylon Rehabilitation Facility, Babylon Province, Iraq. In light of some independent variables, we examined the QoL of these amputees. An empirical study was conducted to measure the reliability of the study questionnaire before it was given to professionals for validation. Interview techniques were used to collect data, which were then evaluated using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (analyses of variance and the independent t test). Results: The Mean±SD age of the participants was 50±13.47 years (ranged 50-59 years). The characteristics of participants were as follows: male, 68.8%; married, 61.2%; secondary school graduate, 38%; employed, 34%; with insufficient monthly income, 41.2%; amputation due to diseases, 48.4% or accidents, 16.4%; amputation in lower extremities, 56.4%, and for more than 10 years on amputation, 48.8%. The results show differences in QoL concerning amputees’ age, marital status, occupation, monthly income, reasons for amputation, duration of amputation, gender, and sites of amputation. Discussion: Individual demographic characteristics should be considered in programs aimed at improving the QoL of amputees. Quality of life assessment and early inclusion should always be considered.