Effects of trauma-related amputations in children on caregivers: An exploratory descriptive study in a developing country.

Journal: PloS one

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 2025

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America. Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Abstract summary 

Amputation in children is rare. However, in recent times, amputation in children has increased and trauma is the leading cause in Ghana. Few studies on the effects of amputation on caregivers particularly of children are available. This study aimed to explore the effects of trauma-related amputations in children on caregivers using qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with semi-structured interview guide. Ten (10) informal caregivers were purposively selected from the trauma registry of a tertiary facility in Ghana. Data were analyzed manually using the thematic approach described by Collaizi. The findings revealed that trauma-related amputations in children affect the work-role, social life, finances and mental health of the caregivers. Provision of counselling services to address the mental health needs of caregivers and decentralization of orthopaedic and rehabilitation services would lessen the burden of caregiving.

Authors & Co-authors:  Barnie Patience Achiamaa PA Dzomeku Veronica Millicent VM Tetteh Abigail Aban AA Barnie Bernard Asamoah BA Mock Charles C Donkor Peter P

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Griffet J. Amputation and prosthesis fitting in paediatric patients. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research [Internet]. 2016;102:S161–75. Available from: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.03.020
Authors :  6
Identifiers
Doi : e0313980
SSN : 1932-6203
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Study Design
Exploratory Study,Phenomenological Study,Descriptive Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Ghana
Publication Country
United States