Job adjustments, job satisfaction and health experience in upper and lower limb amputees

Objectives: To explore job adjustments, job satisfaction, and health experience among employees with an upper limb amputation and to compare the results with those of lower limb amputees and control subjects. Methods: Amputees were recruited from data files of a large European University Medical Centre and orthopaedic workshops. Controls were matched colleagues of the lower limb amputees. All participants filled out the VAG questionnaire (Vragenlijst Arbeid en Gezondheid), assessing job satisfaction and job adjustments, and the RAND-36. Results: 28 upper limb amputees were compared to 144 lower limb amputees and 144 controls. Job adjustments were necessary in 38% and 28% of upper and lower limb amputees, respectively. All three groups were equally satisfied with their jobs (p=0.90). Vocational rehabilitation was applied to 26% and 8% of upper and lower limb amputees, respectively. Upper limb amputees rated their general health worse (18 points, 95% CI: 12-25) compared to lower limb amputees, corrected for effects of confounders (age and co-morbidity). Conclusions: Upper and lower limb amputees have high job satisfaction and a minority need job adjustments. In upper limb amputees, the causes of the worrisome general health experience need further investigation. In upper and lower limb amputees, vocational rehabilitation deserves additional attention.