The perception of trauma patients from social support in adjustment to lower-limb amputation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction:The effect of amputation on an individual's psychological condition as well as family and social relationships is undeniable because physical disability not just affects the psycho-social adjustment, but also the mental health. When compared to normal people, such people are mostly experiencing social isolation. On the other hand, social support is known as the most powerful force to cope with stressful situations and it allows patients to withstand problems. The present study aims to explain understanding the trauma of patients and the experience of support sources during the process of adaptation to a lower limb amputation.Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted using qualitative content analysis. Participants included 20 patients with lower limb amputation due to trauma. Sampling was purposive initially and continued until data saturation. Unstructured interviews were used as the main method of data collection. Collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and constant comparison methods.Results:The main theme extracted from the data was support sources. The classes include “supportive family”, “gaining friends’ support”, “gaining morale from peers”, and “assurance and satisfaction with the workplace.”Conclusion:Given the high number of physical, mental and social problems in trauma patients, identifying and strengthening support sources can be effective in their adaptation with the disease and improvement of the quality of their life.

Dealing with Chronic Illness: Experiences of Iranian Families of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis—A Qualitative Study

“…One of the coping mechanisms was spirituality and use of prayer and worshiping God during difficult times. In Dadkhah et al (2014), researchers stated that participants sought help from their faith when confronted with the decision on lower limb amputation [ 35 ]. Another study reported that religious beliefs supported adaptability to chemical injury [ 36 ] or relying on religious beliefs for accepting the breast cancer diagnosis [ 37 ].…”

“…Other studies on MS patients and their family caregivers showed that social support played an important role in managing the difficult and complicated conditions [ 19 , 45 , 46 ]. Dadkhah et al (2014) suggested that social support especially from friends and family played a significant role toward adaptability [ 35 ].…”

“…We found the same results suggesting the provision of emotional support for family caregivers as a particularly important aspect of successful coping strategy [ 51 ]. Several other studies in Iran also suggested that family caregivers played a vital role in supporting the patients to adapt to a chronic condition [ 35 , 37 , 41 ] by overcoming the challenges in a positive way [ 16 ].…”

The social well-being of nurses shows a thirst for a holistic support: A qualitative study

“…In fact, they would not be able to continue their activity if such support did not exist. In their investigations, Torres and Solberg ( 2001 ) showed that the family's support led to higher self-efficacy, social cohesion, stress reduction, and health promotion among participants (Torres & Solberg, 2001 ; Valizadeh, Dadkhah, Mohammadi, & Hassankhani, 2014 ). In a study carried out by Berkman, social and family support and strong relationships were reported to be significant sources of individual health (Berkman, 1995 ).…”

Road Traffic Accident Victims’ Experiences of Return to Normal Life: A Qualitative Study

“…This result is consistent with Valizadeh et al (2014) study that support by family and friends, the participants seem to benefit from the support of the peer group and this group plays a prominent role in adaptation with amputation. Individuals in a particular social network, especially in the peer groups such as groups consisted of patients with similar disease can help to other patients in finding a solution to the problem, authenticating, navigating to the information, creating positive emotions and comfort ( 22 ).…”