Article

PURPOSE: To assess how upper limb amputation affects mental health and life
satisfaction. METHOD: Cross-sectional study comparing the mental health and
perceived satisfaction with life among adult acquired major upper limb amputees
in Norway with a control group drawn from the Norwegian general population. The
scales used were the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Hopkins Symptom
Check List 25-item (SCL-25). The groups were compared using multiple linear
regression analyses. RESULTS: The amputees scored significantly lower on life
satisfaction than the control group. A tendency to poorer mental health in the
amputee group was observed, but there was no clear evidence of such a difference.
The amputation effect on life satisfaction seemed to be mediated mainly by
changes in occupational status and by the occurrence of short- or long-term
complications related to the amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that
rehabilitation of upper limb amputees should emphasise facilitating return to
work as well as the prevention of short- and long-term complications, and that
this will be of importance not only for the amputees' physical function, but for
the maintenance of acceptable life satisfaction. Further studies on the effect of
upper limb amputation on mental health are recommended.

Langue : ANGLAIS