Influential Factors in Accepting Amputation by Trauma Patients: A qualitative study

Abstract

AbstractBackground:Trauma is an influential factor in the occurrence of amputations. The impact of amputation on the spiritual and mental status of the individual and their family relationships is indisputable. Thus, we conducted the present study to determine the factors influencing the acceptance of amputation in trauma patients and assess the impact of these factors on their adaptability to their new circumstances and improvement of their quality of life (QOL).Methods:This qualitative study was grounded theory research. Using theoretical and purposive sampling, 20 individuals who had undergone lower limb amputation due to trauma were chosen as the study participants. The primary data collection method in the present study was an unstructured interview. The participants’ answers were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and statistically analyzed using the constant comparison method and qualitative content analysis.Results: The central theme extracted from the data was Accepting Amputation. The classes include “Positive Self-Hypnosis, “Realism, “Increasing Tolerance with Time, “Self-Esteem and Correcting Body Image, “and " Emergence of Glimmers of Hope, “Conclusion:Amputation affects all aspects of an individual’s life and causes physical, spiritual, mental, and social problems, and thus, the identification and reinforcement of the factors influential on the acceptance of the illness can be effective on the adaptability of these individuals to their new circumstances and improvement of their QOL.