Stephanie R Cimino1, Abirami Vijayakumar1, Crystal MacKay1,2,3, Amanda L Mayo4,5,6, Sander L Hitzig1,4,7, Sara J T Guilcher1,3,8,9,10. 1. Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 2. West Park Health Care Centre, Toronto, Canada. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 4. St. John's Rehabilitation Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. 5. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. 6. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 7. Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 8. Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 9. Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 10. MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To understand what is known about sex and gender differences in quality of life (QoL) and related domains for individuals with an adult acquired lower limb amputation (LLA). METHODS: A computer-assisted literature search of four online databases was completed. Articles were included if they incorporated sex or gender as part of their data analysis with a focus on QoL-related domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive numerical analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven articles were included in this review. Women were under-represented across studies, with most of the participants being men. No articles described the inclusion of trans or non-binary persons. Differences by sex or gender were reported by 66 articles. Articles reporting on gender seldom provided descriptions of how gender was defined. Overall, women/females seemed to have worse outcomes in terms of prosthesis-related outcomes, mental health, and return to occupations. CONCLUSION: Articles included in this review were not clear with how gender was defined. In order for more targeted interventions that account for sex and gender differences, studies need to be more forthcoming about how they use and define gender. Future research should seek to include gender non-conforming participants to identify additional needs.Implications for rehabilitationSex and gender are important constructs that influence outcomes following lower limb amputation.Rehabilitation professionals should consider sex and gender-specific outcomes when tailoring programs to ensure ethical clinical care.
PURPOSE: To understand what is known about sex and gender differences in quality of life (QoL) and related domains for individuals with an adult acquired lower limb amputation (LLA). METHODS: A computer-assisted literature search of four online databases was completed. Articles were included if they incorporated sex or gender as part of their data analysis with a focus on QoL-related domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive numerical analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven articles were included in this review. Women were under-represented across studies, with most of the participants being men. No articles described the inclusion of trans or non-binary persons. Differences by sex or gender were reported by 66 articles. Articles reporting on gender seldom provided descriptions of how gender was defined. Overall, women/females seemed to have worse outcomes in terms of prosthesis-related outcomes, mental health, and return to occupations. CONCLUSION: Articles included in this review were not clear with how gender was defined. In order for more targeted interventions that account for sex and gender differences, studies need to be more forthcoming about how they use and define gender. Future research should seek to include gender non-conforming participants to identify additional needs.Implications for rehabilitationSex and gender are important constructs that influence outcomes following lower limb amputation.Rehabilitation professionals should consider sex and gender-specific outcomes when tailoring programs to ensure ethical clinical care.
Entities:
Keywords:
Quality of life; amputation; gender identity; review; sex