Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS