Association of Level of Amputation and Use of Prosthesis with Depression: A Multi-Centered Study

Abstract

Background: Amputation is the surgery of “Removal of limb or its part from the body” due to medical reasons. The loss of a limb is indubitably a distressing lifetime experience. Several studies have shown that depression is higher in patients with amputations. The objective of this study is to determine the association of depression with level of amputation, use of prosthesis and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional research study was conducted in three physical rehabilitation centers of Quetta in a time span of three months. Non probability convenient sampling was used to collect data from 54 participants having traumatic or non-traumatic unilateral amputation. Depression was measured using the validated tool, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Total 54 participants, Males =47(87%) and Females = 7(13%) and were surveyed. Among them 44(81.5%) were married. Majority of the patients 30(55.5%) were between the age of 15-45 while 28 (51.9%) were educated. Majority of the participants (91%) were with lower-limb amputation. Trans-tibial Amputation (TTA) and Trans-Femoral Amputation (TFA) were 27(50%) and 20(37%) respectively. Use of prosthesis was found among 38(70.4%) patients, while 16(29.6%) did not use prosthesis. Statistically significant relationship was found between married participants and depression (p-value 0.047). Our results showed that depression was less in patients using prosthesis compared to the ones not using prosthesis. Conclusion: Structured psychological and psychosocial support to the patients with amputations is needed before and after surgery, involving multidisciplinary teams. More emphasis should be given to the mental health of the married participants, as they showed higher levels of depression.