Article

PURPOSE: To explore the impact of childhood limb loss on families in terms of
healthcare utilisation, schooling and parental labour supply. METHODS: Data were
obtained from a cross-sectional, retrospective pilot survey of 123 parents or
caregivers of children with limb loss selected randomly after stratification by
aetiology (i.e. trauma, malignancy and congenital limb deficiency) from among
eligible families identified by the Amputee Coalition of America. Healthcare
utilisation, school (child) and labour market (parents) participation were
examined. RESULTS: Children with limb loss use health services frequently and
miss school for limb loss-related concerns. Over half of all parents adjusted
their work participation in response to their child's limb loss. The use of
prostheses may increase direct and indirect costs of limb loss. Children with
acquired limb loss (amputation following trauma or cancer) were more likely than
those with a congenital limb deficiency to use a prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our
data suggest that the impact of limb loss on families of affected children may
include substantial costs, particularly when school and work effects are taken
into account. Further research is needed to identify the full household- and
societal-level costs of childhood limb loss and suggest interventions to reduce
the burden experienced by families.

Langue : ANGLAIS