Abstract
Background and Objective:
There is no national data on the number of people living with traumatic and non-traumatic lower limb amputations (LLAs) in Nigeria. Nonetheless, the number is estimated to be high and projected to continue increasing due to the rising cases of diabetes and its relationship with LLAs in addition to factors associated with high rates of traumatic amputations such as road accidents. Several studies have linked the post-amputation recovery, adjustment, and quality of life to the successful fitting of a prosthetic limb. The access to these assistive devices underscores a significant unexplored health policy challenge in Nigeria. This article aims to use Penchasky and Thomas Five Dimensions of Access to provide contextual insight into access to prosthetic services/rehabilitation.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature including published studies, grey literature, and government policy was carried out using Google scholar, PubMed and African Journals Online. The article also draws from first-hand practice within the setting of this work to further inform the work. The Penchasky and Thomas Five Dimensions of Access were used as an overarching framework to address access-related themes.
Results
There is a significant lack of access to prosthetic services and rehabilitation covering all the five dimensions discussed in this work for members of this population. The most concerning dimensions were ‘availability’ and ‘affordability’ with findings indicating that the cost of the most basic prosthesis alone is more than two (2) months’ salary of an individual on minimum wage.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications
Immediate interventions and health policy adjustments are needed into alleviating the lack of access to prosthetic services/rehabilitation for people living with LLAs in Nigeria. There is a need for conscientious efforts by all relevant stakeholders to provide affordable and accessible prostheses and rehabilitation services including adequately trained professionals to support post-amputation toward a better state of health and wellbeing for this increasing population.
There is no national data on the number of people living with traumatic and non-traumatic lower limb amputations (LLAs) in Nigeria. Nonetheless, the number is estimated to be high and projected to continue increasing due to the rising cases of diabetes and its relationship with LLAs in addition to factors associated with high rates of traumatic amputations such as road accidents. Several studies have linked the post-amputation recovery, adjustment, and quality of life to the successful fitting of a prosthetic limb. The access to these assistive devices underscores a significant unexplored health policy challenge in Nigeria. This article aims to use Penchasky and Thomas Five Dimensions of Access to provide contextual insight into access to prosthetic services/rehabilitation.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature including published studies, grey literature, and government policy was carried out using Google scholar, PubMed and African Journals Online. The article also draws from first-hand practice within the setting of this work to further inform the work. The Penchasky and Thomas Five Dimensions of Access were used as an overarching framework to address access-related themes.
Results
There is a significant lack of access to prosthetic services and rehabilitation covering all the five dimensions discussed in this work for members of this population. The most concerning dimensions were ‘availability’ and ‘affordability’ with findings indicating that the cost of the most basic prosthesis alone is more than two (2) months’ salary of an individual on minimum wage.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications
Immediate interventions and health policy adjustments are needed into alleviating the lack of access to prosthetic services/rehabilitation for people living with LLAs in Nigeria. There is a need for conscientious efforts by all relevant stakeholders to provide affordable and accessible prostheses and rehabilitation services including adequately trained professionals to support post-amputation toward a better state of health and wellbeing for this increasing population.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2022 |
