Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Prosthetic Users in Gaza Governorate ,

Overview

Prosthetic devices help amputees regain mobility and improve appearance. When patients are satisfied with their prosthesis, they are more likely to use it consistently, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes. In Gaza, the 2023 Gaza War caused a rise in traumatic amputations and limited access to healthcare and prosthetic services. This makes rehabilitation more difficult, affecting both physical and mental health. Research on patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) among lower limb prosthetic users in Gaza is limited. This study evaluates satisfaction and QoL in this population, aiming to provide information to improve prosthetic care and guide interventions tailored to local needs.

Lower limb amputation has significant physical and psychological impacts, affecting mobility, daily activities, and quality of life (QoL). In Gaza, traumatic amputations increased following the 2023 war, limiting access to prosthetic and rehabilitation services. This a cross-sectional observational study evaluates adult lower limb prosthetic users (≥18 years, using prosthesis ≥6 months) in Gaza. Data is collected via structured questionnaires covering: * Part I: Sociodemographic Data - age, gender, BMI, marital status, education, employment, income, residence, living arrangement, healthcare access. * Part II: Clinical Characteristics - amputation level and cause, time since amputation, prosthesis type, duration/frequency of use, comorbidities, prosthetic complications, rehabilitation services received. * Part III: Patient Satisfaction - satisfaction with healthcare services regarding quality, communication, comfort, and responsiveness, measured using \[Prosthetic Satisfaction Questionnaire\]. * Part IV: Prosthetic Satisfaction - comfort, fit, functionality, and durability of prosthesis, assessed with \[Prosthetic Satisfaction Questionnaire\]. * Part V: Quality of Life (QoL) - physical, psychological, and social well-being, measured with EQ-5D-5L and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Data analysis will include descriptive statistics for satisfaction and QoL scores, correlations between patient satisfaction and QoL, and associations with sociodemographic variables using regression models. The study aims to inform prosthetic care delivery and guide context-specific interventions in Gaza, contributing to better functional recovery and psychological adjustment for lower limb amputees.