Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life in People Living With Partial Foot or Transtibial Amputation

Abstract

Objectives: To determine which demographic, amputation, and health-related factors were associated with health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in people living with partial foot amputation (PFA) or transtibial amputation (TTA).

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Adults (N=123) with unilateral PFA (n=42) or TTA (n=81).

Intervention: Not applicable.

Main outcome measure: Medical Outcome Short Form (SF-36) version 2.

Results: Variation in the SF-36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scores were associated with complex interactions between factors, including: time since amputation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain interference, and physical function. Level of amputation (ie, PFA or TTA) did not explain a significant part of the variation in either the SF-36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scores.

Conclusions: Given the complex interactions between factors associated with the physical and mental health components of HR-QoL, there are opportunities to consider the long-term holistic care required by people living in the community with PFA or TTA.

Keywords: Amputation; Quality of life; Rehabilitation.