Predictors of Quality of Life Among Patients with Diabetes-Related Lower Extremity Amputation in Selected Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria (Published)
Diabetes-related lower extremity amputation remains one of the most devastating outcomes of diabetic foot disease, often leaving patients to grapple with pain, loss of mobility, emotional distress, altered family roles, and economic strain. In Nigeria, evidence on how patients actually live through this experience and how it shapes their quality of life is still limited. This study therefore assessed quality of life of patients with diabetes-related lower extremity amputation in selected hospitals in Lagos State, with attention to coping strategies and perceived social support. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were obtained from 65 patients using the WHOQOL-BREF, Brief COPE Inventory, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that participants had an overall poor quality of life, with low scores across the physical (14.86±6.53), psychological (11.99±5.01), social relationship (5.63±3.39), environmental (16.24±7.81), and general health (4.10±0.88) domains. The most commonly used coping strategies were problem-focused coping, especially active coping and planning, alongside emotion-focused coping through religion. Perceived social support was high overall (6.03±1.49), with support from significant others rated highest. Regression analysis showed that coping strategies significantly predicted quality of life (R=.478, R²=.228, F=18.171, p<.001), while perceived social support had an even stronger influence (R=.684, R²=.468, F=11.983, p<.001). The study concludes that care for these patients must move beyond surgery alone. It recommends routine psychological assessment and counselling, stronger rehabilitation services, family-centred education, and social reintegration support to improve recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Keywords: Diabetes, Experiences, Quality of life, amputation, coping mechanisms