Barriers and facilitators to work participation for persons with lower limb amputations in Bangladesh following prosthetic rehabilitation

Background: Lower limb amputation due to workplace injury and motor vehicle accident is common in Bangladesh. Qualitative research may extend our understanding of how physical impairment and other factors, such as cultural norms, family roles and the built environment, facilitate or hinder work participation following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of people in Bangladesh following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation to understand the facilitators and barriers to their work participation. Study Design: Qualitative interviews with thematic analysis. Methods: The Worker Role Interview was used to guide semi-structured interviews in a convenience sample of 10 adults living in Bangladesh following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation. Interviews were interpreted, and the themes that emerged were evidenced with first-person quotes. Results: Barriers and facilitators to work participation were synthesised into the following themes: spirituality, attitudes, meaning of work, planning for work participation, traditional gender roles, social support, mobility aids, environmental challenges and ergonomic adaptations. Conclusion: This qualitative approach identified barriers and facilitators to work participation, such as the role of spirituality and the effect of gender roles, that have not been well researched in this population. Being aware of their effects can help clinicians reduce barriers to work participation. Clinical relevance Greater awareness of the barriers and facilitators to work participation, such as the role of spirituality or the effect of gender roles, can assist clinicians to reduce barriers and help facilitate work participation for people living in Bangladesh following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation.