Volume 8, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated 2025)
Func Disabil J 2025, 8(1): 0-0 |
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Oyewole O O, Thanni L O, Ogunlana M O, Adebanjo A A, Fafolahan A O, Odole A C et al . A Qualitative Inquiry Exploring Recovery From Lower Extremity Fractures. Func Disabil J 2025; 8 (1)
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-334-en.html
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-334-en.html
Olufemi Oyeleye Oyewole *1 
, Lateef Olatunji Thanni2 , Michael Opeoluwa Ogunlana3 , Adekunle Abayomi Adebanjo2 , Abiola Olayinka Fafolahan4 , Adesola Christianah Odole5 , Pragashnie Govender6
, Lateef Olatunji Thanni2 , Michael Opeoluwa Ogunlana3 , Adekunle Abayomi Adebanjo2 , Abiola Olayinka Fafolahan4 , Adesola Christianah Odole5 , Pragashnie Govender6
1- Department of Physiotherapy, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria. & Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. , OyewoleO1@ukzn.ac.za
2- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria.
3- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. & Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 3031, Abeokuta, Nigeria
4- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 3031, Abeokuta, Nigeria & Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
5- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
6- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
2- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria.
3- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. & Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 3031, Abeokuta, Nigeria
4- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 3031, Abeokuta, Nigeria & Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
5- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
6- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract: (14 Views)
Background and Objectives: Lower extremity fractures (LEFs) impose a significant functional and psychosocial burden on patients. Understanding the lived experiences and identifying critical aspects during recovery is vital to support patient-centered rehabilitation models and establish meaningful assessment criteria for post-discharge recovery. This study explored patients’ recovery experiences from LEF following inpatient rehabilitation and examined what patients consider important when evaluating their recovery progress.
Methods: A qualitative explorative study design was employed to capture the lived experiences of Nigerian patients with LEF during their recovery journey. Audio-recorded, open-ended, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone to explore patients’ experiences comprehensively. A purposive sample of LEF patients was interviewed until data saturation was reached. The ATLAS.ti, software, version 24 package was utilized to organize, store, and retrieve data, which was subsequently analyzed using inductive thematic data analysis.
Results: Ten patients shared their profound, often emotionally challenging experiences of recovery from LEF. Five comprehensive themes emerged related to personal experiences during recovery: physical impact, social impact, occupational impact, financial and psychological impact, and evaluating recovery. This study illuminates the multifaceted recovery journey from LEFs, revealing the complex interplay between physical pain, emotional distress, social disruption, and the persistent pursuit of normalcy. Through their shared narratives, participants provided invaluable insights into the challenges and aspirations of navigating life after a significant lower-extremity injury.
Conclusion: The lived experience of patients following LEFs is characterized by significant mobility limitations, impaired functional capacity affecting daily activities and return to work, participation restrictions, and substantial psychological consequences.
Methods: A qualitative explorative study design was employed to capture the lived experiences of Nigerian patients with LEF during their recovery journey. Audio-recorded, open-ended, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone to explore patients’ experiences comprehensively. A purposive sample of LEF patients was interviewed until data saturation was reached. The ATLAS.ti, software, version 24 package was utilized to organize, store, and retrieve data, which was subsequently analyzed using inductive thematic data analysis.
Results: Ten patients shared their profound, often emotionally challenging experiences of recovery from LEF. Five comprehensive themes emerged related to personal experiences during recovery: physical impact, social impact, occupational impact, financial and psychological impact, and evaluating recovery. This study illuminates the multifaceted recovery journey from LEFs, revealing the complex interplay between physical pain, emotional distress, social disruption, and the persistent pursuit of normalcy. Through their shared narratives, participants provided invaluable insights into the challenges and aspirations of navigating life after a significant lower-extremity injury.
Conclusion: The lived experience of patients following LEFs is characterized by significant mobility limitations, impaired functional capacity affecting daily activities and return to work, participation restrictions, and substantial psychological consequences.
Keywords: Lower extremity fracture, Patient experience, Patient values, Recovery experiences, lived experiences, Nigeria, Rehabilitation
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Rehabilitation management
Received: 2025/09/3 | Accepted: 2025/10/21 | Published: 2025/03/2
Received: 2025/09/3 | Accepted: 2025/10/21 | Published: 2025/03/2
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All the work in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons
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INTERNATIONAL International License.