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5.5.2 ITEM 13 PROSTHESIS
This item was included because the majority of the amputees use prosthesis with or
without other walking aids, and should therefore have enough information about the care
and the use ofthe prosthesis. They should also know about the care ofthe stump before it
is fitted in the prosthesis to prevent injury to the stump, as well as fitting of the
prosthesis. This item was therefore included in order to verify with amputees ifthey did
get information about care ofthe prosthesis as well as demonstrations about fitting ofthe
prosthesis.
TABLES.II CAREOFTHEPROSTHESIS
Health Education Yes Percentage No Percentage
Care ofthe Stump 11 44% 14 56%
Coning ofthe Stump 10 40% IS 60%
Care and Wearing ofthe Stocking 11 44% 14 56%
Fitting ofthe Prosthesis IS 60% 10 40%
Care ofthe Prosthesis 8 32% 17 68%
Use ofthe Prosthesis 14 56% II 44%
Table 5.11 shows that (17) 68% of the amputees were not educated about care of the
prosthesis, (15) 60% were not educated about coning of the stump, (14) 56% were not
taught about care of the stump, care and wearing of the stockings, (11) 44% were not
taught the use ofprosthesis, and (l0) 40% were not taught the fitting ofthe prosthesis, as
compared to only (15) 60% who were educated on fitting ofthe prosthesis and (14) 56%
on the use of the prosthesis. The prerequisites reflect that a lesser percentage were
educated on care ofthe stump, and care and wearing ofthe stocking (II) 44%, coning of
the stump (I) 40%, and care of the prosthesis (8) 32%. This means that less number of
amputees were educated, and where these amputees were educated, little information was
given. As a result amputees fail to care and fit their prosthesis correctly and end up not
using prosthesis. The amputees then use walking aids which are not user friendly and
promote dependence, which should not be the case ifthe prosthesis were cared for and
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