Survey Results: Perceptions of Amputation
As experts in claiming compensation for individuals who have undergone an amputation due to medical negligence, we believe that educating the general public can help everyone to approach those with an amputation with compassion.
Medical negligence can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, with the worst cases resulting in limb amputation. Adjusting to life following the loss of a limb can be extremely difficult. Simple tasks that many take for granted can become challenging with every aspect of an individual’s life affected, including work, home life and using transport. Many amputees require specialist help to recover and regain control over their life.
We asked members of the public to share their opinions on various topics related to amputations, including how they would perceive somebody with an amputation and what they thought life was like with an amputation.
For participants who had undergone amputation, we asked them to provide insight into life with an amputation.
The Full Survey Results
Has someone in your personal network (family, friends or colleagues) undergone an amputation?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Yes | 17.00% |
No | 83.00% |
Have you ever seen anyone with an amputated limb that was visible while out in public?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Yes | 84.37% |
No | 15.63% |
Have you ever seen anyone wearing a prosthetic limb that was visible while out in public?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Yes | 75.73% |
No | 24.27% |
To what extent would you feel uncomfortable if you saw someone with an amputated limb that was visible while out in public?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
I would feel extremely uncomfortable | 1.29% |
I would feel uncomfortable | 5.53% |
I would feel neither comfortable or uncomfortable | 28.01% |
I would feel comfortable | 29.98% |
I would feel extremely comfortable | 35.20% |
To what extent would you feel uncomfortable if you saw someone wearing a prosthetic limb while out in public?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
I would feel extremely uncomfortable | 0.45% |
I would feel uncomfortable | 3.18% |
I would feel neither comfortable or uncomfortable | 25.44% |
I would feel comfortable | 29.60% |
I would feel extremely comfortable | 41.33% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I would view an amputee as a disabled person."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 4.92% |
Agree | 46.62% |
Neither agree or disagree | 33.54% |
Disagree | 12.15% |
Strongly disagree | 2.77% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I would assume that an amputee should require physical assistance if I saw them out in public."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 0.85% |
Agree | 5.38% |
Neither agree or disagree | 30.62% |
Disagree | 47.62% |
Strongly disagree | 15.54% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I would treat someone differently if I found out they were an amputee."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 0.31% |
Agree | 5.38% |
Neither agree or disagree | 22.62% |
Disagree | 38.77% |
Strongly disagree | 32.92% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I would assume someone with an amputation has experienced trauma."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 5.69% |
Agree | 34.92% |
Neither agree or disagree | 32.85% |
Disagree | 20.23% |
Strongly disagree | 6.31% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I believe amputees are brave."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 12.62% |
Agree | 38.15% |
Neither agree or disagree | 43.38% |
Disagree | 4.46% |
Strongly Disagree | 1.38% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "Having an amputation means not being able to take part in physical activity and sports."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly Agree | 0.46% |
Agree | 3.23% |
Neither agree or disagree | 11.15% |
Disagree | 39.15% |
Strongly Disagree | 46.00% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I would be comfortable dating someone who had undergone an amputation."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly Agree | 19.31% |
Agree | 41.62% |
Neither agree or disagree | 28.85% |
Disagree | 7.54% |
Strongly Disagree | 2.69% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "Having an amputation would make it more difficult to have a romantic relationship."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly Agree | 1.00% |
Agree | 11.46% |
Neither agree or disagree | 29.23% |
Disagree | 35.46% |
Strongly Disagree | 22.85% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "Having an amputation would place limits on what I can achieve"
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly Agree | 0.92% |
Agree | 18.92% |
Neither agree or disagree | 26.31% |
Disagree | 34.77% |
Strongly Disagree | 19.08% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "Having an amputation would mean I would no longer be able to work."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 0.46% |
Agree | 1.92% |
Neither agree or disagree | 13.62% |
Disagree | 42.69% |
Strongly Disagree | 41.32% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "If I had a child who had undergone an amputation, I would expect it to impact their entire life."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 3.46% |
Agree | 33.31% |
Neither agree or disagree | 29.77% |
Disagree | 23.54% |
Strongly disagree | 9.92% |
The words most associated with amputations
Have you undergone an amputation?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Yes | 1.25% |
No | 98.75% |
What part of your body was amputated?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Finger | 11.76% |
Toe | 35.29% |
Leg | 17.65% |
Arm | 5.88% |
Other (please specify) | 29.41% |
Why did you require an amputation?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
You had a severe infection | 17.65% |
Your body part was affected by gangrene | 5.88% |
You suffered serious trauma - such as a crush or blast wound | 35.29% |
You suffered a deformity | 5.88% |
Other (please specify) | 35.29% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I believe I am judged negatively by members of the public because of my amputation"?
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly agree | 11.76% |
Agree | 17.65% |
Neither agree or disagree | 47.06% |
Disagree | 11.76% |
Strongly Disagree | 11.76% |
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "I consider myself a disabled person."
Answer Choices | Responses |
---|---|
Strongly Agree | 17.65% |
Agree | 41.18% |
Neither agree or disagree | 23.53% |
Disagree | 11.76% |
Strongly Disagree | 5.88% |