Effectiveness of Group Support in Alleviating Anxiety, Depression, Stress Among Amputees in Gaza Strip

Abstract

"Background: According to Ministry of Health since the beginning of the great marches return (GMR) in March 2018, the number of injured people 35.703, who had amputated limbs was 157 The amputees may experiences body images disturbances, stress, depression, and anxiety, Many reviews and studies done to define the psychological burden of amputations, Social supports received by different amputees is vital in structuring effective treatment plan as a holistic approach in treating these physically disabled patients. Aim: the objective of current study is to examine the efficacy of peer support group in alleviating the emotions state of Depression, Anxiety and stress among amputees in Gaza strip. Method: Using semi-experimental (pre, post and follow-up) design, 60 Amputees after assessment using DASS , assigned to Peer Group Support (PGS). and its effect measured on the dependent variable, Emotional state of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. Result: The prevalence of depression in the amputee is estimated to be (%59), anxiety is (59.6%), and stress is (%65.5), The mean score of the patients’ depression, stress and anxiety before intervention was 1.8424 after the intervention of the peers group support in the post test measurements was reduced to 0.8668 compared to that of pretest measurements which is significant in value of (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that utilizing the peer group support is effective for alleviating the emotional state of depression, stress and anxiety among patients with amputation."