How did lower-limb prostheses and orthoses change users’ lives in Cambodia?

Details

Assistive technologies such as prostheses and orthoses are assumed to improve the lives of people with disabilities, but this question has received little attention in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study explored the experiences of people who use lower-limb prosthetic or orthotic devices in Cambodia to identify areas for improving their lives.

Participants were recruited from one urban and two rural prosthetic and orthotic clinics run by the same non-governmental organisation. Researchers conducted individual interviews in 2019 with 15 prosthetic or orthotic device users. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Three themes emerged: a more positive outlook with an assistive device; devices reduce barriers but do not eliminate them; and disability creates social exclusion while devices facilitate inclusion. Participants described life without a prosthesis or orthosis as marked by financial insecurity and hopelessness. After receiving a device, they experienced greater self-worth and empowerment, as well as improved functional performance and social interactions.

Disability affected multiple aspects of participants’ lives, including physical and psychosocial factors. Prosthetic and orthotic devices were experienced as enabling social inclusion and generally improving the life situation of people with disabilities in Cambodia. The researchers called for better knowledge of and access to prosthetic and orthotic services, stable income for users, and attention to device-related problems.