TY - JOUR AU - San Diego, Raul Valderama PY - 2019/12/18 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Life After Amputation: A Case Study JF - Abstract Proceedings International Scholars Conference JA - isc VL - 7 IS - 1 SE - DO - 10.35974/isc.v7i1.1139 UR - https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/isc/article/view/1139 SP - 530-549 AB - <p>In the Philippines, the National Council on Disability made a survey revealing a prevalence of<br>43.367 disabled who lost one or both legs and/or feet. This study explored the challenges<br>encountered and coping mechanisms an amputee manifests, and the assistance that they get<br>from their expected support system. This case study was anchored on Dorothea Orem’s SelfCare Theory of Nursing. Four purposively sampled amputee informants were interviewed and<br>observed. Primary and secondary data were gathered and triangulation with the relatives was<br>done to ensure the validity and depth of the results. Data were encoded and analyzed using<br>thematic analysis. Results revealed that the informants experienced physical, psychological,<br>emotional, socio-economic, and spiritual challenges. Physical challenges involved mobility<br>problem and lack of gait balance, physical deformity, adjustment to the new body, altered<br>physical appearance, a sedentary behavior, and phantom pain. Psychological challenges<br>involved suicidal tendency, loss of libido, self-pity, and depression. Emotional challenges<br>included fear and hopelessness. Socio-economic challenges involved the development of antisocial behavior, dissociative behavior, fear of losing a job, problem with money, and fear of<br>rejection. Spiritual challenges involved loss of faith. Coping mechanism included support from<br>family and friends, mastery of gait and balance, proper practice in using assistive devices,<br>hastened adjustment to the new body, wearing of prosthesis, medication and mobility, and trust<br>in God. Although they get strong support from the family and friends, there is very limited<br>assistance from the government and the community. There is a need to increase family<br>awareness in anticipating the needs of the amputees. Likewise, full support must be given to<br>them. Health education campaign may be formulated by the local health leaders and provision<br>of assistive devices and equipment to achieve the equalization and opportunities for persons<br>with disabilities may also be done.</p> ER -