Identification of Barriers in the Reintegration of Pakistan Military Amputees at the Workplace: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: : To identify barriers in the reintegration of Pakistan military amputees at their workplace and to suggest remedial measures. Methodology:A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was planned and hospital ethics committee approval was obtained. Two part survey was constructed consisting of demographics and questions about the possible barriers at the workplace. Fifty eight military amputees (20-60 years, with disability class A and B due to major amputation of a limb) were approached and requested to fill in the questionnaire after explaining the rationale and possible benefits of the study. Response rate was 100 %. Results: All patients were males. Most of the patients had trans-tibial amputation (41). Majority were matriculate and earned between Rs. 20,000- 40,000 (53.4%). All patients were provided with latest modular prosthesis of Ottobock (Germany) and Ossur (USA), free of cost with life time maintenance and replacement by Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM). Majority of the patients could ambulate independently, were confident after provision of prosthesis and were spared by their units for timely follow-up. Major barriers included lack of accessible washrooms in the unit, too much time off-work and lack of confidence even after provision of prosthesis. Conclusion: Amputee rehabilitation can lead to successful and complete community re-integration. Pakistan Army is providing comprehensive amputee rehabilitation services to those who sustain a limb loss. However, certain barriers can hinder the rehabilitation process and it is important to identify and remove these barriers for better functional outcomes in amputees.