Determination of Quality of Life for Adult Patients

Abstract

Abstract:Objective: The study aimed to determine quality of life domains for adult patients with limbs loss and to identify the association between quality of life domains and demographic characteristics and medical information. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out at Baghdad artificial limb center, Al-Salam medical rehabilitation center, Al-Ghadeer medical rehabilitation center and the rheumatoid and medical rehabilitation center for the period from September 2007 to April 2008. A purposive ''non- probability'' sample of (200) patients with limbs loss. Questionnaire form was constructed for the purpose of the study. Data were collected through the application of the questionnaire and interview technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistical approach (frequency, percentage and mean of score) and inferential statistical approach (chi-square, standard deviation and correlation coefficient).Results: The findings of the study have revealed that most of patients with limb loss are with mean age (46.15) years, mostly males, living in urban residence, married, living in nuclear family and primary school graduate with retired occupation, but insufficient monthly income in spite of living in owned house. Most of the patients with limb loss have changed their jobs and reduced the hours of working. Most of them have lost their limbs for (1- 5) years with unilateral lower limb and below-knee; walking with crutches and the trauma was the most common cause of limb loss. However, most of them visit rehabilitation centers and get benefits from rehabilitation. Recommendations: The study recommended that educational program for newly limb loss for physiotherapy and occupational therapy and further studies can be conducted on large sample size about adaptation of the patients with limbs loss.