Utilization and Perception of Peer-Support After Lower Limb Loss in the United States: Potential Benefits on Mobility Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To examine participants' experiences with peer-support after lower limb loss (LLL) and the associations between the peer-support experience (perceived benefits and barriers) and mobility outcomes.

Design: Quantitative and qualitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design.

Setting: National survey (distributed to 169 peer-support groups in 44 states in the US).

Participants: The survey was completed by 82 individuals with a major lower limb amputation (53% female, 54% over 55 years of age; N=82).

Main outcome measures: A 32-item survey to examine respondents' experiences in peer-support activities. Prosthetic mobility was measured using the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M).

Results: Two out of 3 respondents received some forms of peer-support after amputation. Among them 75% reported peer-support having a positive effect on their outlook on life, and 78% reported that information gained from peer-support was helpful. Companionship, altruistic acts, and gaining information on how to cope with amputation were the top themes of why respondents enjoyed the peer-support experience. Nearly all (94%) respondents would recommend peer-support to other people with LLL. Individuals who received peer-support exhibited a trend of greater mobility (55th vs 36th percentile on PLUS-M; P=.055).

Conclusion: Individuals with LLL reported generally positive experiences regarding their engagement in peer-support activities. Peer-support groups are viewed as a helpful source for both information and emotional support, potentially benefiting functional and psychological recovery after amputation. Individuals who have received peer-support also exhibited greater mobility.

Keywords: Amputation; Lower limb loss; Mobility; Peer-support; Qualitative analysis; Survey.