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more <strong>of</strong>these respondents were from the suburban area they would be the same as those<br />

in rural areas, where there are no rehabilitation services. They will be forced to go to the<br />

urban health services.<br />

5.3 SECfION B: TYPES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />

Knowledge <strong>of</strong> the type <strong>of</strong> injury sustained helps in the rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> the amputees,<br />

therefore inclusion <strong>of</strong>this section was found to be essential.<br />

5.3.1 ITEM 4 TI'PES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />

TABLES.] TI'PES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED<br />

Types <strong>of</strong>Injury Frequency Percentage<br />

Upper Limb Amputee 4 16%<br />

Lower Limb Amputee 21 84%<br />

Total 25 100%<br />

. '.<br />

Table 53 shows that there were (21) 84% lower limb amputees as compared to (4) 16%<br />

upper limb amputees. This indicates that there are more lower limb amputees than upper<br />

limb amputees, the reason being that the lower limbs are most commonly injured in<br />

accidents either by being a driver, passenger or pedestrian. Vascular disorders are also<br />

common in the lower limbs. Amongst the upper limb amputees, three were caused by<br />

gunshot injuries and one amputee was assaulted with a bush knife. The lower limb<br />

amputees require extensive rehabilitation even at home, which causes a problem as there<br />

are no rehabilitation services in the community. Vitali (1996:5) stresses that rehabilitation<br />

should focus on the use <strong>of</strong>the person's remaining abilities to achieve the highest level <strong>of</strong><br />

independence.<br />

43

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