A closer look at amputees in Vietnam: a field survey of Vietnamese using prostheses

Abstract

This study aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of follow-up data on prosthetics in developing countries. In order to bridge the gap between members of non-governmental organizations and their international patients, a field survey was conducted via direct interviews in Vietnam. Eighty-three (83) patients in 5 different geographic regions were interviewed using a standardized assessment tool designed by the author. Demographic information, questions of prosthetic history, inquiries into function, lifestyle and occupation, and queries of social and family integration were asked of each patient. While the overall results prove salutary for those who serve the amputees of developing countries, it is clear that amputation presents a substantial challenge to the Vietnamese patient. On one hand, respondents wore their prostheses over 12 hours each day on average, rated their prostheses as quite comfortable, and were altogether satisfied with their prosthetic treatment. In addition, the provision of care for Vietnamese with amputations has improved markedly over the past few decades. On the other hand, many patients related the barriers they encountered due to their amputation, including their departure from previous careers, inability to perform rigorous physical activities, and difficulties with social interactions. Furthermore, discrepancies in care were noted between demographic groups and amongst different regions. The questionnaire developed for this study may provide a useful evaluative tool for agencies working throughout the developing world. The use of such a standardized questionnaire could greatly improve the evaluation and comparison of prosthetic programmes and help guide the efforts of such organizations in developing countries.