Utilization and Perception of Peer-Support After Lower Limb Loss in the United States: Potential Benefits on Mobility Outcomes.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil
; 105(5): 939-946.e3, 2024 05.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38242299
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To examine participants' experiences with peer-support after lower limb loss (LLL) and the associations between the peer-support experience (perceived benefits and barriers) and mobility outcomes.DESIGN:
Quantitative and qualitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design.SETTING:
National survey (distributed to 169 peer-support groups in 44 states in the US).PARTICIPANTS:
The survey was completed by 82 individuals with a major lower limb amputation (53% female, 54% over 55 years of age; N=82). MAIN OUTCOMEMEASURES:
A 32-item survey to examine respondents' experiences in peer-support activities. Prosthetic mobility was measured using the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M).RESULTS:
Two out of 3 respondents received some forms of peer-support after amputation. Among them 75% reported peer-support having a positive effect on their outlook on life, and 78% reported that information gained from peer-support was helpful. Companionship, altruistic acts, and gaining information on how to cope with amputation were the top themes of why respondents enjoyed the peer-support experience. Nearly all (94%) respondents would recommend peer-support to other people with LLL. Individuals who received peer-support exhibited a trend of greater mobility (55th vs 36th percentile on PLUS-M; P=.055).CONCLUSION:
Individuals with LLL reported generally positive experiences regarding their engagement in peer-support activities. Peer-support groups are viewed as a helpful source for both information and emotional support, potentially benefiting functional and psychological recovery after amputation. Individuals who have received peer-support also exhibited greater mobility.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Grupo Paritario
/
Miembros Artificiales
/
Apoyo Social
/
Extremidad Inferior
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Phys Med Rehabil
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos