COPING STRATEGIES OF VICTIMS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FOLLOWING AMPUTATION AT KORLE-BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Amputation has a devastating effect on patients and their families. It is a major source of permanent impairment, functional limitation, body image changes and displaces the body’s sense of balance (Sebaee and Mohamed, 2011). The purpose of this study is to assess the coping strategies of victims of road traffic accident following amputation at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. A descriptive quantitative survey was used to conduct the study. The target population of the research consisted all victims at Korle-Bu teaching hospital who have undergone amputation following road traffic accident. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents for the study. The results indicated that, the victims believe that, they can reintegrate into society once they have suffered amputation and live a normal life. The victims have learnt to move on with their life, though they do not get enough support from family, friends and government. In managing the issue of amputation, the victims resort to recreational activities, drugs use, counselling services and prayers