Psychosocial Sequelae of Traumatic Amputation and Their Effect on Rehabilitation Outcomes in North Central Nigeria

Traumatic amputation is a catastrophic event with profound physical, emotional, and social consequences. Psychosocial sequelae including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social withdrawal are well-documented barriers to prosthetic rehabilitation and community reintegration. This mixed-methods study examines the psychosocial sequelae of traumatic amputation and their influence on rehabilitation outcomes among adults at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Minna, North Central Nigeria. A convergent mixed-methods design will be used. Quantitative data on depression (PHQ-9), post-traumatic stress (PCL-5), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and prosthetic rehabilitation uptake will be collected from 80 amputees, while in-depth interviews with 15 participants will explore lived experiences of adjustment, stigma, and family support. Integration of findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of barriers to psychosocial recovery. The study hypothesises that untreated depression is present in over 50 percent of traumatic amputees and is the strongest predictor of poor prosthetic rehabilitation uptake. Findings will be presented to rehabilitation medicine units and mental health teams at both facilities to support integrated amputee care pathways. This study contributes important psychosocial evidence to the emerging literature on amputee rehabilitation in the North Central zone. Keywords: traumatic amputation, psychosocial sequelae, rehabilitation, depression, North Central Nigeria.