Factors Influencing the Adoption, Non-Adoption and Abandonment of Lower Limb Prostheses among Amputees in Selected Hospitals in Owerri, Imo

Background: A high rate of abandonment of lower limb prostheses after adoption is observed, with many amputees unable to adopt any prosthesis. This challenges rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. This study assesses the reasons behind this issue and suggests possible solutions. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 lower limb amputees using multistage sampling. Data were collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v26.0. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was used. Results: The study’s age range was dominated by participants aged 51-65 years (28%). Amputees with higher education levels (39%) were more likely to use prostheses. Trauma was the leading cause of amputation (55%). While 27% of respondents did not use a prosthesis, 73% did. Financial constraints prevented 34% from affording a prosthesis, but 66% could. Additionally, 31% faced difficulties accessing prostheses, and 99% had not accessed government support. Major barriers to prosthesis adoption were financial constraints (46%) and lack of access to services (22%). Proposed solutions included financial support (27%) and improved access to prosthetic services (12%). Conclusion: The significant rate of non-adoption and abandonment of lower limb prostheses in Owerri, Imo, is attributed to financial and access barriers, highlighting the need for interventions like financial assistance and better service access.