Living as a Person Requiring Prosthetics in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Nepal is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world and has an extreme topography. Inaccessibility in the country is a large issue for persons with disabilities and puts high demands on prosthetic use. The aim of the study is to explore experiences in accordance with some specific articles from the Convention on the Rights for persons with disabilities which consider health, mobility, work and employment, education and rehabilitation, for persons requiring prosthetic service in Nepal. Methods: The investigation was performed through individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. 16 participants with lower limb amputations were included. For analysis of data latent content analysis was applied. Data from the analysis was divided into six categories which were divided into twelve subcategories. Results: The first category, Rehabilitation, consisted of Rehabilitation is encouraging and provided at a low cost and Prosthesis is essential for mobility but is not adequate for the demands required in Nepal. The second category Mobility concerned Prosthesis increases independence but is also limiting and Living without prosthesis in Nepal is difficult. The category about Healthcare reported about Accessibility of health care meets the demands but travelling is troublesome and Difficulties of affording health care expenses. The Education category describes that Education improves living situation but is lacking due to poverty and Vocational training improves independence but is not available for all. The fifth category Work concerned Desire for employment but unemployed due to disability and Prosthesis is essential for working but is not fulfilling requirements. The last category Emotions according to the disability concerned Negative attitudes in society towards persons with disabilities and Living as a person requiring prosthetics in Nepal is hard. Conclusions: Healthcare and rehabilitation provided at the study site fulfils the demands from the Convention except regarding follow-up treatment. In this specific area of Nepal deficits were reported in the fields of mobility, work and employment and education. The participants requested more advanced prostheses, employment opportunities and more education. The participants also reported negative attitudes for being a person with disabilities. Keywords: amputee; Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Nepal; prosthesis; rehabilitation.