Background and purpose: Amputation is one of the oldest surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of anxiety and quality of life in patients with lower limb amputation. Materials and methods: In a descriptive study a list of all patients with lower limb amputation (between 2003-2009) was provided from the records in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital. They were called and asked about their willingness to participate in the study. Data was then collected using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). T-test and Chi-square test were applied in SPSS for data analysis. Results: There were 41 patients and 41 individuals (control group) who were matched to patients based on demographic characteristics and underlying diseases. The mean HADS depression and anxiety scores in patients were 9.98±4.8 and 9.8±4.6 and in control group were 9.49±4.22 and 10.34±4.58, respectively. There were significant differences in mean quality of life subscales including physical functioning, physical role, and pain between patient and control group (P<0.05). But no significant differences were seen between the two groups in general health, emotional role, vitality, mental health and social activity (P>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, no significant association was found in prevalence of depression and anxiety after amputation among patients and the control group. The two groups showed similar results in mental components but different outcomes in physical dimensions. Therefore, it is important to focus on physical rehabilitation programs and using prostheses in such patients.

Keywords: Depression, anxiety, amputation, quality of life

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