Factors Influencing the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Lower Limb Amputees: A Two-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Limb amputation is among the commonly performed surgical procedures known to have a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Nonetheless, factors influencing the HRQoL among amputees have not been extensively explored. We therefore conducted a study aiming at determining factors influencing the HRQoL among lower limb amputees.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021 in two specialized hospitals located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 160 participants who exclusively underwent lower limb amputation(s) were recruited. Data was collected using a checklist incorporating the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the HRQoL.

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 53.8 (±15.44) years; with males constituting 68.7%. The mean duration since amputation was 19.84 (±12.44) months. A relatively poor physical component summary score (PCS), as opposed to the mental component summary score (MCS) of the SF-36 was observed among the participants (42.0 vs. 59.3, respectively). Factors that positively influenced the PCS included achieving a college/university level of education, absence of stump pain, and the use of a prosthetic device or crutches. Conversely, factors that negatively influenced the PCS included increasing age and the absence of associated comorbid conditions. These factors accounted for 34.1% of the variance in the PCS. With reference to the MCS, post-amputation employment, longer durations since amputation, and the use of prostheses or crutches had a positive influence. However, having no associated comorbidity negatively influenced the MCS. These factors explained 26.5% of the variances in the MCS.

Conclusion and recommendations: The aforementioned factors should be addressed accordingly in order to ensure a holistic approach in the management of lower limb amputees. Moreover, longitudinal studies are recommended to systematically study the change in HRQoL over time and to assess its determinants.