The Lived Experience of Women Amputees in Odisha

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe and understand the lived experience of women with lower extremity amputation in Odisha. Background: Amputation is defined as a medical procedure in which there is partial or complete removal of a limb for a number of reasons. It affects lives drastically irrespective of gender. But for women the challenges are manifold. As women play the major role in the family as well as society, deeper understanding is needed to understand the psychosocial behavior changes after amputation. Very limited number of Indian studies addresses the daily challenges faced by women amputees. Extensive information regarding the effects of amputation has not been ascertained in Indian cultural context yet. The current study is an attempt to gather in - depth information and understanding of women amputees. Their perceptions and difficulties in daily living and to critically look at areas where future research might need to focus. The study aims to describe and understand the lived experience of women with lower extremity amputation in Odisha. Design: A phenomenological research design was used. Methods: Interviews was performed with 25 women lower extremity amputee. Data were collected by using a pre generated interview questionnaire. To analyze the women amputees? narratives, thematic content analysis method has been used. The lived experience of persons with lower extremity amputation has been categorized into the following four thematic areas: emotional collapse, Social connections and support, acceptance is a process, Ordeals of physical and emotional instability. Results: The result of this study will provide insight into psychological distress and problem faced among women amputees in Odisha and need for further course of action to empower them. The result of this study will provide comprehensive information of psychological distress and problem faces among women amputees in odisha and need for further course of action to empower them. Conclusions: Participants described suffering in physical, psychological and socio cultural realms and the ways they strived to cope with these challenges. The findings of this study provide an enhanced understanding of the experiences of people with lower extremity amputation and underscore the importance of truly listening and responding to their concerns. The need to appreciate cultural context and to develop the peer - based support programme was highlighted. Relevance to clinical practice: The need to appreciate cultural context and to develop the peer - based support programme was highlighted. Supportive psychological and social interventions such as formal support groups and peer support programmes may provide a powerful and inexpensive addition to routine care. Currently, such programmes are unavailable in Odisha.