%0 Journal Article
%T Utilization and Perception of Peer-Support After Lower Limb Loss in the United States: Potential Benefits on Mobility Outcomes.
%A Lee SP
%A Maluotoga M
%A Thind R
%A Lindsay L
%A Bhatta T
%A Miller CA
%J Arch Phys Med Rehabil
%V 105
%N 5
%D 2024 May 17
%M 38242299
%F 4.06
%R 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.12.009
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To examine participants' experiences with peer-support after lower limb loss (LLL) and the associations between the peer-support experience (perceived benefits and barriers) and mobility outcomes.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Quantitative and qualitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>National survey (distributed to 169 peer-support groups in 44 states in the US).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The survey was completed by 82 individuals with a major lower limb amputation (53% female, 54% over 55 years of age; N=82).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A 32-item survey to examine respondents' experiences in peer-support activities. Prosthetic mobility was measured using the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Two out of 3 respondents received some forms of peer-support after amputation. Among them 75% reported peer-support having a positive effect on their outlook on life, and 78% reported that information gained from peer-support was helpful. Companionship, altruistic acts, and gaining information on how to cope with amputation were the top themes of why respondents enjoyed the peer-support experience. Nearly all (94%) respondents would recommend peer-support to other people with LLL. Individuals who received peer-support exhibited a trend of greater mobility (55th vs 36th percentile on PLUS-M; P=.055).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Individuals with LLL reported generally positive experiences regarding their engagement in peer-support activities. Peer-support groups are viewed as a helpful source for both information and emotional support, potentially benefiting functional and psychological recovery after amputation. Individuals who have received peer-support also exhibited greater mobility.