Introduction:Malawi is located in south-east Africa, 53% of the population live below the poverty line. Few studies have specifically investigated the situation for people with physical disabilities in Malawi. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions and feelings of how it is to live with a physical disability in Malawi from a prosthetic and orthotic patient perspective.

Methods:A qualitative study using individual semi-structure interviews for data collection was performed with 16 patients, men and women with physical disabilities receiving services from the prosthetic and orthotic centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results:Six categories emerged from the data. People with physical disabilities felt independent and wanted to take care of themselves. They experienced mainly positive attitudes and encouragement from others. They had a positive view of life, but the disability affected their life situation. Contact with other people with physical disabilities was requested for support and experience-sharing. The major concern was work and the financial situation. Ability to work was important to meet basic needs and for the feeling of independence. Negative attitudes were a result of poor knowledge.

DiscussionThe study showed a clear need of creating work opportunities specifically for people with physical disabilities, since having a job was found important for many reasons. Support programs profiled to help and strengthen people with physical disabilities in Malawi would be beneficial for them to access the labour market. Spreading knowledge and information about physical disabilities and orthopedic devices is a key issue to create a better understanding and to change people ́s attitudes.

Conclusions:Work was important for the feeling of freedom, independence and for the self-image. Negative attitudes were uncommon, but when seen they were a result of poor knowledge about causes of disability and the situation for these people.