Impact of Prosthetic Intervention on the Quality of Life of Persons with Limb Amputation: A Longitudinal Assessment in North-Eastern Nigeria

Objectives: Limb amputation is a life-altering event that imposes significant physical and psychosocial burdens. While prosthetic provision is the primary rehabilitative intervention, empirical data regarding its longitudinal impact on Quality of Life (QoL) in North-Eastern Nigeria remains scarce. This study aimed to quantify the multi-dimensional QoL shifts in amputees following prosthetic fitting at a regional tertiary facility. Methodology: A longitudinal comparative study was conducted at the Physical Rehabilitation Centre, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). A cohort of 50 participants (n = 50; 88% male) was assessed at baseline (pre-fitting) and at follow-up (post-functional ambulation) using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Mean domain scores were analyzed using Paired t-tests, while Independent t-tests evaluated the influence of amputation level (Trans-tibial vs. Trans-femoral) on outcomes. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 38.76 ± 13.72 years. Post-intervention data revealed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01) across the Physical (MD = ?35.80), Psychological (MD = ?44.90), and Environmental (MD = ?18.68) domains. Conversely, the Social Relationships domain remained statistically stagnant (p = 0.71), indicating a lack of perceived social reintegration despite functional gains. Furthermore, Trans-tibial amputees achieved significantly higher Overall QoL scores than Trans-femoral users (p = 0.02), highlighting the biomechanical advantage of knee-joint preservation. Conclusion: Prosthetic intervention at UMTH facilitates a robust restoration of physical and psychological autonomy but fails to address the persistent social barriers associated with limb loss. These findings advocate for a shift toward a bio-psychosocial rehabilitation model that incorporates community sensitization and peer-led support to translate mobility gains into holistic social inclusion.