Faktorer som påverkar livskvalitet hos individer som genomgått amputation av nedre extremitet.

Sammanfattning: Introduction: Amputation of lower extremity is the most common form of amputation. An amputation affects all dimensions of a human being, affects several aspects of the individuals life’s and involves great suffering. What quality of life means for these individuals is an inadequately studied area.  Purpose: To examine what factors affected quality of life in individuals that have undergone a lower extremity amputation. Method: This study is a general literature review that methodologically examined and analysed quality of life in individuals that have undergone lower extremity amputation. In this descriptive study only original articles were included and data was collected from Cinahl, PubMed and Psycinfo. Results: From the results four main categories emerged which were function and mobility, external factors, internal factors and adaption to change. Within the categories 11 subcategories surfaced which all represented factors influencing quality of life in individuals who had undergone amputation of one, or multiple, extremities. The subcategories included  factors that directly or indirectly affected quality of life such as type of amputation, comorbidity, lesser need of assistive devices, environmental adaptations, fear of discrimination, acceptance of a new identity, body image, environmental adaption, age at the time of the procedure, prosthesis fit, rehabilitation, healthcare and ability to adapt to the situation. Conclusion: An increased knowledge for healthcare providers, concerning the factors influencing quality of life of amputees, may contribute to a more individualized care and higher quality of life for the affected group.