The prevalence of prosthesis use with the effects on body image, Depression, Anxiety and self-esteem in lower-extremity amputations

Abstract

Objective: Amputation is a tragic event that changes body image, causes a loss in movement freedom, and lowers self-esteem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of prostheses in patients after lower extremity amputations. Material and Methods: A total of 92 patients who had lower extremity amputation between the years 2003-2011 and those who could be contacted were included in this study. The patients with and without prosthesis were evaluated with the Body Image, Hospital Anxiety and Depression, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem scales after questioning for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The mean age of patients was 67.80±16.01 in those had lower extremity amputations due to several reasons, and 74% was male while 26% was female. Of the total patients, 53% had amputations under the knee, 13% had knee disarticulation, and 34% had amputation above the knee. Only 23% was using a prosthesis among all patients. The scores of the Body Image and Hospital Anxiety Depression scales were statistically different between patients with and without prosthesis. There was no statistical significance in the comparison of the scores of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale. Conclusion: Professional rehabilitation and psychiatric support of patients after lower extremity amputations would reduce the effects of disability and provide an increase in quality of life and functional capacity.