Narrative Experiences of Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the narrative experiences of individuals undergoing lower limb amputation. Method: This study was a qualitative study conducted using the phenomenological pattern. Using purposive sampling, 13 individuals with lower limb amputation were selected and interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method. Results: The mean age of the 13 individuals was 51.17 ± 8.7 years. Five of the individuals were female and eight of them were male. A main theme and four sub-themes were identified. This main theme together with sub-themes were Dead End ( Process of Loss, Negative Feelings, Change, Adapting to New Life). The individuals expressed mostly negative feelings and thoughts while also emphasizing the rehabilitation process (positive sides). Conclusions: Individuals with lower limb amputations stated there were positive factors affecting the rehabilitation process while emphasizing negative thoughts and feelings during the amputation process. These results can be used in planning for training, counseling and therapeutic interviews to protect the psychosocial health of individuals with lower limb amputation.

The Effect of Motivational Interview-Based Counseling in Individuals With Amputation: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Turkey

“…Individuals with lower extremity amputation may encounter difficulties in fulfilling daily functions and may require assistance (Behera & Dash, 2021). Individuals with lower extremity amputation may experience negative impacts on physical, mental, and general health with loss of walking and running functions, family and society seeing them as disabled, and disrupted body image because of extremity loss (Ali et al, 2021; Küçük Öztürk et al, 2022; Radenovic et al, 2022). Also, amputation may cause individuals to isolate themselves from social life or reduce coping strategies (Abouammoh et al, 2021; Turner et al, 2022).…”