A Community-Based Survivorship Model for Individuals With Orthopedic Disabilities in Rural Areas

Orthopedic disabilities are a significant public health challenge in rural areas, where access to rehabilitation and support services is often inadequate. Individuals with physical disabilities frequently lack the necessary awareness, resources, and community support to manage their conditions effectively.

This comparative study aims to evaluate a community-based survivorship model (CBSM) for individuals with orthopedic disabilities in rural areas. The model focuses on educating patients, fostering positive health behaviors, and providing a structured framework for managing disability-related challenges.

A study was conducted using primary data. A total of 156 participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 78) and control (n = 78) groups. The intervention group received the CBSM for three months, comprising six components: rehabilitation, prosthetics/orthotics, mental health support, health campaigns, occupational therapy, and financial aid. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Self-Efficacy Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States).

The experimental group demonstrated markedly greater improvements compared to the control group. Pain scores (VAS) decreased by a mean difference of 2.56 (p < 0.001), functional independence (FIM) increased by 11.11 (p < 0.001), and self-efficacy improved by 8.71 (p < 0.001). Additionally, depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) reduced substantially with a mean difference of 6.15 (p < 0.001).

The CBSM provides an effective, structured strategy to enhance functional independence, self-efficacy, and mental well-being while reducing pain among individuals with orthopedic disabilities in rural settings.