Impact of Duration and Social Support on Anxiety Amongst Amputees

Abstract

Background: Anxiety may be defined as “apprehension, uneasiness or tension that stems from an anticipation of danger, which may be external or internal”. Amputation is “A removal of the limb or its part owing to medical causes/reasons”. Low-level of social support, religiosity & self-efficacy, may have a role in commencement and continuation of mental health condition. Empathy & support are imperative for helping amputees to cope-up with an uncertainty, emotions, mobility issues, and to en-able them to adjust to new normality. Objective: The aim of study was to find an impact of duration and social support on anxiety amongst amputees. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of Study: Physical Rehabilitation Centers of Quetta. Duration of this study was 3 months. Methodology: Primary data was taken from all amputees visiting rehabilitation centers, through structured adopted questionnaire “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS), with the help of trained data collectors along with principal investigator. Results: 54 subjects were included in this research, of whom. Majority 49 were earning/receiving up to 30000 Pk Rs monthly. Regarding no of dependents, majority (57.5%) had 9 or above no of dependents. Nearly all 98.1% patients had a positive social-support. Maximum amputees 22 (40.8%) were in 6 but less-than 10years categories. Men were more severely affected as 44.7% were in the category of moderate or severe anxiety as compared to 42.8% women. Conclusion: Time since amputation & social support has an impact on degree of anxiety in amputees. Outcomes of this study can also be utilized for prevention planning.