Article

The objectives of this study are to investigate the relationship between
adjustments to amputation and artificial limb, and quality of life (QoL), and to
analyse the influence of sociodemographic, medical and amputation-related factors
on this relationship. Patients with unilateral and noncongenital lower limb
amputation who were using artificial limb were interviewed (n=368) using
structured questionnaires. The Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience
Scales (TAPES) were used to assess adjustments to amputation and artificial limb
and the MOS Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess the physical
(PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary of QoL. Absence of comorbidity and
residual stump pain, being employed, young age, less functional restriction,
being more adjusted to limitation, increased social adjustment and less
restriction in athletic activity were related to better PCS scores. Absence of
comorbidity and phantom limb pain, nonuse of assistive device, being more
adjusted to limitation, increased social adjustment and being less functionally
restricted were related to higher MCS scores. Comorbidity had a modifying effect
on both PCS and MCS scores. In addition, age, being employed and residual stump
pain had a modifying influence on PCS, whereas assistive device use and phantom
limb pain had a modifying influence on MCS. Our findings show that TAPES
subscales have a modifying effect on the associations between several background
(sociodemographic and amputation characteristics) and QoL (PCS and MCS). This
indicates that adjustments to amputation and artificial limb are the key
determinants of QoL in individuals following lower limb amputation.

Langue : ANGLAIS