WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Mohammed Abed Mezher and Nizar Abdulateef Jassim

ABSTRACT

Background: Amputation and subsequent rehabilitation are complex processes influenced by a range of physical,psychological, social, and environmental factors. Adapting to a prosthesis can be particularly challenging forindividuals with higher-level amputations. Comprehensive rehabilitation requires addressing physical concernssuch as residual limb health, prosthesis fitting, and medical complications, as well as providing psychological andsocial support to enhance functionality and quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate daily livingactivities among prosthesis users using the Barthel Index and to identify key factors influencing their level ofindependence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sadr Al Qanat Center for Prosthetics andMedical Supports between January and May 2024, involving 101 amputees. Patients with neurological, muscular,rheumatologic, or cognitive disorders were excluded. Data were collected via structured interviews, includingsociodemographic characteristics, amputation details, and Barthel Index assessments. Statistical analysis wasperformed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants weremale (73.3%) with a mean age of 45 years. Trauma was the leading cause of amputation (69.3%), and most hadlower limb amputations (86.1%). Full independence in daily activities was observed in 54.5% of participants.Significant factors associated with greater independence included younger age, male gender, higher education,employment, absence of comorbidities, proper prosthesis fitting, and participation in physiotherapy (p < 0.05). Incontrast, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, back pain, and chronic swelling were linked to higher dependence.Conclusion: Effective rehabilitation—including physiotherapy and proper prosthesis fitting—substantiallyimproves independence in daily living among amputees.