Quality of Life and Life after Amputation among Amputees in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Amputation is a life-changing surgical procedure that can cause significant disruptions in the quality of life of an individual. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with limb amputations in Lagos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among amputees recruited from two tertiary institutions and roadsides in Lagos state. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demography, medical history, and postamputation health status. Also, a short form (SF-12V2) health questionnaire was used to assess their quality of life. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-four (254) subjects with extremity amputation, aged 18–75 years with a mean age of 47.82 ± 11.53 years were studied. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The commonest age group of the amputees was 45–60 years (52%). The commonest indication for amputation was diabetic gangrene (126 [49.6%]) and trauma (90 [35.4%]). Postamputation, 98 (38%) were employed, and 117 (75%) of those unemployed resorted to begging as a means of livelihood. While 57 (22.4%) used prostheses frequently, 68 (26%) did not want prostheses as they supposed that it negatively affected their begging business. Female amputees have a statistically significantly better quality of life than males in the physical (r = 0.03) and mental components (r = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A proper rehabilitation program, the use of prostheses, and adequate employment opportunities would improve the quality of life of amputees.