Abstract

Background. Education is part and parcel of comprehensive rehabilitation. With regard to limb amputees, education involves not only locomotion techniques and prosthesis application, but also includes prophylaxis and recognition of early signs of common stump problems. In this preliminary study we report the results of experimental application of a Health Education Test (HET) in an inquiry investigating the level of health education in lower limb amputees. Material and methods. 40 subjects admitted to Rehabilitation Department (6 women, 34 men), mean age 60.6 years (SD=12.8) who underwent unilateral lower limb amputation (26 above-knee and 14 below-knee amputees). 33 patients underwent amputation for vascular complications. The HET consisted of 4 open and 46 detailed questions inquiring about patients’ knowledge of the causes, prophylaxis and symptoms of popular stump problems, hygiene and health issues after lower limb amputation. Results. We noted a negative correlation between age and HET results (Pearson coefficient 0.6, p<0.01). Residents of localities above 20.000 inhabitants gave significantly better responses (Mann-Whitney test; p<0.05). HET results did not correlate with general education, reason and level of amputation. Participants reported shortage of suitable information and educational materials for lower limb amputees and difficulty obtaining expert advice outside of specialist centers. Conclusions. Health education concerning prophylaxis of stump problems should be commenced about the time of amputation, maintained during the hospital stage of rehabilitation, and continued in the outpatient setting. The programs and forms of education should be age-specific and be available regardless of the patient’s place of residence.

Key words:

amputation, rehabilitation, health education