title: Malawian prosthetic and orthotic users' mobility and satisfaction with their lower limb assistive device.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate patients' mobility and satisfaction with their lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device and related service delivery in Malawi and to compare groups of patients regarding type and level of device and demographics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires were used to collect self-report data from 83 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety percent of prostheses or orthoses were in use by patients, but approximately half of these needed repair. Thirty-nine percent reported pain when using their assistive device. The majority of patients were able to rise from a chair (77%), move around the home (80%), walk on uneven ground (59%) and travel by bus or car (56%). However, patients had difficulties walking up and down hills (78%) and stairs (60%). In general, patients were quite satisfied with their assistive device (mean of 3.9 out of 5) and very satisfied with the service provided (mean of 4.4 out of 5). Access to repairs and servicing were rated as most important, followed by durability and follow-up services. Lack of finances to pay for transport was a barrier to accessing the prosthetic and orthotic centre.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients were satisfied with the assistive device and service received, despite reporting pain associated with use of the device and difficulties ambulating on challenging surfaces.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University and Swedish Institute for Disability Research, P.O. Box 1026, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden. Lina.Magnusson@hhj.hj.se
authors: Lina
authors: L
authors: Magnusson
authors: Gerd
authors: G
authors: Ahlström
authors: Nerrolyn
authors: N
authors: Ramstrand
authors: Eleonor I
authors: EI
authors: Fransson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult