A Bridge between Me and God: A Qualitative Study on Amputation in Iran.

Abstract

Amputation is a significant health concern leading to physical impairment and impacting mental well-being. Individuals undergoing amputation often experience psychological and social challenges in adapting to their new circumstances. Establishing a close connection with and placing trust in a higher power, such as God, can serve as an effective coping mechanism for alleviating these difficulties. This study is a thematic analysis. The study participants included 16 patients with lower limb amputation due to traumatic accident or injury. Purposive sampling was used, which was continued until data saturation. Unstructured interviews were used as the main method of data collection. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and constant comparison methods. The main theme emerging from the data was religious orientation, which was classified into "fatalism," "Epiphany and Reversal," "faith and trust in God," and "attachment to an intimate relationship with God." The study suggests that a strong bond with God can act as a protective factor against challenges and distress, leading to a reduction in mental health issues and overall improvement in psychological well-being.