TITLE:
Impact of Prosthetic Intervention on the Quality of Life of Persons with Limb Amputation: A Longitudinal Assessment in North-Eastern Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Suleiman Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Habib Saad, Isa Muhammad Tanko, Mannir Kassim, Muhyiddeen Suleiman Bichi, Zahraddeen Tahir, Muhammad Sulaiman, Aliyu Musa, Muhammad Sani Hashim, Buhari Abdullahi Tafida, Babangida Shehu Bappah, Buhari Hassan
KEYWORDS:
Lower-Limb Amputation, Prosthetic Rehabilitation, WHOQOL-BREF, Social Reintegration, North-Eastern Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.6,
June
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objectives: Limb amputation is a life-altering event that imposes significant physical and psychosocial burdens. While prosthetic provision is the primary rehabilitative intervention, empirical data regarding its longitudinal impact on Quality of Life (QoL) in North-Eastern Nigeria remains scarce. This study aimed to quantify the multi-dimensional QoL shifts in amputees following prosthetic fitting at a regional tertiary facility. Methodology: A longitudinal comparative study was conducted at the Physical Rehabilitation Centre, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). A cohort of 50 participants (n = 50; 88% male) was assessed at baseline (pre-fitting) and at follow-up (post-functional ambulation) using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Mean domain scores were analyzed using Paired t-tests, while Independent t-tests evaluated the influence of amputation level (Trans-tibial vs. Trans-femoral) on outcomes. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 38.76 ± 13.72 years. Post-intervention data revealed statistically significant improvements (p Physical (MD = ?35.80), Psychological (MD = ?44.90), and Environmental (MD = ?18.68) domains. Conversely, the Social Relationships domain remained statistically stagnant (p = 0.71), indicating a lack of perceived social reintegration despite functional gains. Furthermore, Trans-tibial amputees achieved significantly higher Overall QoL scores than Trans-femoral users (p = 0.02), highlighting the biomechanical advantage of knee-joint preservation. Conclusion: Prosthetic intervention at UMTH facilitates a robust restoration of physical and psychological autonomy but fails to address the persistent social barriers associated with limb loss. These findings advocate for a shift toward a bio-psychosocial rehabilitation model that incorporates community sensitization and peer-led support to translate mobility gains into holistic social inclusion.