Experiences of middle‐aged individuals with lower extremity amputation caused by diabetic foot ulcer after disability in China: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Aim To understand the experiences of individuals who undergo LEA due to DFU after disability. Design A descriptive research design in qualitative research. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were used in this qualitative descriptive study. Eleven middle‐aged patients (45–59 years) who underwent LEA due to DFU were purposively selected and interviewed. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results Three themes and 10 subthemes were identified. The themes were (1) role function confusion, (2) self‐concept stress and (3) unreasonable objective support. Subthemes included (1) weakened career role, (2) family role reversal, (3) social role restriction, (4) over‐focusing on appearance, (5) immersion in patient experience, (6) living with faith, (7) polarization of independent consciousness, (8) low perceived benefits of peer support, (9) existence of treatment disruption and (10) poor participation in medical decision‐making.

Keywords

• diabetic foot
• lower extremity amputation
• middle‐aged adults
• post‐operative care
• qualitative research