A prospective study of positive adjustment to lower limb amputation

Abstract

Objective: To examine prospectively the influence of demographic, amputation and psychosocial variables on positive psychological adjustment outcomes for lower limb amputees.

Design: A quantitative questionnaire study with two time points: at the beginning of rehabilitation and at six-month follow-up. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of demographic/amputation factors versus psychosocial factors to adjustment outcomes.

Setting: A regional outpatient specialist mobility and rehabilitation centre in the UK.

Subjects: Participants were recruited as a consecutive sample of new referrals with lower limb amputation.

Main measures: Age, gender, level and cause of amputation were recorded. The following measures were used: Hope Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experiences Scale (TAPES) pain subscale initially and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and full TAPES at six-month follow up. The measures were administered by two specialist nurses.

Results: Ninety-nine patients provided data at both time points. Hope at the beginning of rehabilitation was related to positive mood (P<0.001) and hope and social support were related to general adjustment (P<0.01, P<0.001) at follow-up. Demographic and amputation factors were not related to psychological adjustment outcomes in this study.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate prospectively the importance of psychosocial variables in the prediction of positive adjustment to lower limb amputation.

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