Researchers at the Providence VA Medical Center and Brown University conducted a study to compare amputation characteristics, prosthesis use, and quality of life outcomes by gender. The research team found that women were less likely than men to have ever used prostheses, to currently use prostheses, to have received prosthetic training, and to use body-powered devices.
Telephone surveys were conducted with 808 veterans (755 men, 21 women) with major upper-limb amputations and who received care at the VA Medical Center in 2010-2015. Separate logistic regression models examined association of gender with prosthesis use and receipt of training to use a prosthesis. Separate linear regression models examined the relationship between gender and health-related quality of life outcomes.
A greater proportion of women used cosmetic devices and a smaller proportion used body-powered devices compared to men. Device heaviness or fatigue was the most common reason for abandonment, according to the results. There were no significant differences in outcome measures by gender.
The study was published in PM&R.
