Attitude and perception of patients towards amputation as a form of surgical treatment in the University of Calabar teaching hospital, Nigeria

Background: A survey of the attitude and perception of a cross-section of residents of Calabar to therapeutic limb amputation was done to determine the level of knowledge and understanding of the indications, advantages as well as the prospects for the amputees in our environment. Patients and Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to adults at the Orthopaedic Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using EPI Info software version 2002. Results: One hundred and fifty-five respondents participated in this study. There were 88 (57%) males. One hundred and forty respondents (90%) had knowledge of amputation as a treatment method; 134 (86%) knew that amputation is beneficial. Fifty participants (32%) indicated that they had no alternative to amputation when indicated while 36 (36%) of those who would refuse believed in divine and traditional treatment. Eight six regard amputees as normal people with potentials while 14 (9%) regard them as 'invalids'. One hundred and five (68%) were aware of the importance of artificial limb while 38 (25%) had no knowledge. One hundred and thirty-one (85%) of respondents regard physicians who do amputation as life savers while 3 (2%) and 9 (6%) regard them as people who take pleasure in amputating limbs and as people who are indifferent to patients' plight respectively. Conclusion: Though majority of respondents have a fair knowledge of amputation and would accept or advice others to accept it, there is still need to create more awareness on the importance of amputation and it indications.