TITLE:
Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers of Relative’s Post Amputation: A Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Samsun Nisha Ayub, Venina Navuta, Melika Waqaniveitagavi, Artika Avikashni, Karalaini Volavola, Esita Vakatale, Ashreeta Lingam
KEYWORDS:
Amputee, Amputation, Discharge Planning, Pain Management, Patient and Family Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: The common cause of disability is due to lower limb amputation (LLA), and the principal etiological factor is diabetes, an individual’s functioning and disability is induced by LLA, causing physical, psychological and emotional dysfunction, requiring caregiver support for general healthcare. Caregivers play an important role in the life of an amputee. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers of amputees. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of caregivers of amputees within the Suva area in Fiji. This pilot study employed one-one interview after approval from the College Human Health Research Ethics Committee (CHHREC) and information about the amputee and their relatives were sought after approval from the DON CWM hospital. Researchers derived the addresses for the amputees and their relatives contacts who were contacted using the mobile phone contact given in the register. A relative of an amputee was interviewed for this pilot project. The interview was conducted in the Hindi Language and later translated to the English language. Results: Four themes were derived from the thematic analysis. The relative of the patient felt sad and frustrated about the change in responsibilities; she had neglected her self-care, had very little knowledge and lacked competence in caring for an amputee. Discussion: One interview was possible which highlighted the need for support in caregiving and relief financially and psychologically for the people who care for their relatives with an amputation.