Quality of life among Syrian patients with war-related lower limb amputation at the Military Hospital in Lattakia

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the quality of life(QOL) of Syrian people with lower limb amputation after the war. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Military Hospital in Lattakia, from May to August 2019. A convenience sample of 65 adult males who had previously undergone amputation of a lower limb was included in this study. Participants’ data were collected including age, marital status, employment, time since amputation, level of amputation, type of amputation and the use of assistive devices. The QOL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHO QOL-BREF). Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Results: Forty (61.5%) of subjects were between age of 40–60. Below knee and unilateral lower-limb amputees formed the highest number 52 (80.0%) and 51 (78.5%) respectively. The mean scores of environment, physical health, psychological, and social relationships domains of QOL were 15.86, 15.18, 14.66, and 6.64, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in various domains of QOL between groups with different status of employment, financial support, amputated lower limb, duration since amputation, and cause of amputation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to pay attention to experiences and the quality of life among Syrian patients with war-related amputation.

Keywords

• Amputation
• Lower extremity
• Quality of life
• Syria
• Surveys and questionnaires