FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE USAGE OF PROSTHESES AMONG PERSONS WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

There has been numerous technological advancements in dealing with major etiologies of lower limb amputation but lower limb amputation has been on the rise. According to Amoah et al (2018), it is estimated that about 145,299 people have been amputated in Ghana. Yet, estimates by WHO (2010) indicates that only 5-15% percent of Ghanaians in need of assistive technology only have access to it. The objectives of this study is to assess the knowledge on usage of prostheses, determine the prevalence level of usage of prostheses, determine the factors that influence the use of prostheses and to identify the challenges of usage of prostheses among persons with lower limb amputation. A descriptive research design which made use of a mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approach. The study was carried out within the confines of the Kumasi Metropolis from March, 2021 to September. The study involved 72 persons with lower limb amputation out of the 90 participants earlier proposed. 62 persons with lower limb amputation responded to a structured questionnaire whiles 10 other persons with lower limb amputation participated in an interview to help in the data collection to satisfy the objectives of the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and thematic Analysis. The findings reveal that most persons with lower limb amputation have good and very good knowledge of what prostheses are, the sources they can get prostheses from, prostheses training centers in Ghana. The number of persons with lower limb amputation who use prostheses are very low (40.3%) as opposed to the number who uses prostheses (59.7%). Cost is a major barrier to usage of prostheses among all the factors. Most persons with lower limb amputation said the prosthetic devices are very expensive unless through the benevolence of the society. The findings revealed that most persons with lower limb amputation experience pain when ambulating with the use of prostheses. Despite experiencing pain, they still use the prostheses. This study concluded that prostheses have become very necessary to use because of the benefits derived from them. Prostheses have become more accessible in the advanced countries relative to that in lower income countries like Ghana and the major factor is attributed to the cost involved and the exchange rates of our currency. It is recommended from evidence gathered from this study that a separate ministry which will be in the helm of affairs for only issues related to disability-related issues should be established so as to address the inadequacies and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in having access to assistive devices and more importantly subsidize the cost of prostheses. KEYWORDS: Prosthesis, Amputation, Limbs, Disability