The lived experience of people with upper limb absence living in Uganda: A qualitative study

• DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v11i0.890
• Publication Date: 2022-06-03T08:48:33Z
• Authors: Dafne Zuleima Mor...; Brenda Nakandi; Robert Ssekitoleko; Louise Ackers; Erisa Mwaka; Laurence Kenney; Cathy Holloway; Maggie Donovan-Hall
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Ableism; Everyday Life

Background: The impact of upper limb absence on people's lived experiences is understudied, particularly in African countries, with implications for policy and service design. Objectives: objective this study was to explore the people (PWULA) living Uganda. Method: Informed by preliminary work, we designed a qualitative employing semi-structured interviews understand experience Seventeen adults were individually interviewed their analysed utilising thematic analysis. Results: Seven themes illustrating individual's life after amputation identified categorised into (1) adapting life, (2) productivity participation (3) within wider environment. This presents three main findings: PWULA need psychological occupational support services which are not available Uganda, want but face multiple barriers employment has limited support, combined complex parenting caring responsibilities, local Ugandan culture social structures affect everyday PWULA, both positive negative ways. Conclusion: provides information Uganda lacking literature. People ableism hardship underpinned lack formal policies, may turn exacerbate facets life.