title: An exploratory study of the perceived impact of health problems of landmine/UXO victims versus another disability group.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this exploratory study is to pilot a biopsychosocial instrument called the Perceived Impact of Problem Profile (PIPP) on a cohort of landmine/Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) victims with lower limb disability versus a cohort of persons with similar disability due to other trauma or medical causes. The aim is to provide greater understanding of the psychosocial impact of landmine/UXO injury to inform victim assistance a interventions within Lao PDR.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employs a mixed methods design, which involved piloting the PIPP instrument through an interviewer administered questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Fifty one participants were interviewed in both urban and rural locations within Lao PDR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An analysis of the data reveals significant differences in perceived impact for pain, anxiety and how recently the injury/illness occurred. Both groups complained of high levels of anxiety and depression; landmine/UXO victims who complained of anxiety and depression reported a much greater impact on life satisfaction and mood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The perceived impact of the disability is greatest on psychosocial factors for both cohorts, but especially in landmine/UXO victims emphasising the need to focus on improving psychosocial interventions for landmine/UXO victims within Victim assistance programmes in Lao PDR.
authors.affiliation: Curtin University, GPO box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia. russellwyper@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Russell B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Wyper
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D053834:Explosive Agents