Quality of Life Analysis in Ostomized Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction the oncological patient submitted to ostomy faces multiple losses which affect their quality of life. Objective: assess quality of life in ostomized patients due to colorectal cancer, regarding the physical, psychological, social and environmental relationships, treated at the Ostomy Program of the Health Department of Distrito Federal, Brazil. Methods: epidemiological-based, analytical, cross-sectional and descriptive study. The sample consisted of 54 patients enrolled in the Ostomy Program of the Health Department of Distrito Federal - Brazil. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life. Data was analyzed by Microsoft ® Office Excel 2010 and SPSS 20.0. Results: the Physical, Social and Environmental aspects were correlated to the mean score, resulting in statistical significance (p<0.0001). The item “Positive feelings” in the Psychological Domain was the only one that did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion: the results demonstrate that the care of cancer patients with ostomies should focus on the technical-scientific, political and socio-educational actions, to allow a multidisciplinary team to recognize health as a right for all, working to guarantee the health care process.

The sexuality of a colostomized person as a major component of quality of life and nursing care

“…The risk of developing colorectal cancer throughout life is 6% in countries where the incidence is higher. [5,13] A higher frequency of females were observed among the colostomized patients, which is corrborated with the studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Brazil, 2015. Expectations account for the emergence of 16,660 new cases of colorectal cancer in men and 17,620 in women in 2016.…”

“…In this perspective, studies suggest that spiritual well-being is added not only to physical and psychological states, but also to cultural formation. [3,5,14,15] Above all, religious involvement can present itself as an element that contributes to the disease's coping process which promotes greater adherence to the treatment, reduction of stress and anxiety, as well as induces a seeking a meaning for the new situation. [1,3,16] Regarding education level, 54% (n = 67.5) had only high school degree, as the other categories were detected in low frequencies.…”

“…With an altered body image and low self-esteem, the ostomized adopt a posture of detachment and social isolation, [1][2][3][4][5][6] because they become concerned about gases, eliminated faeces' odor, leakages and physical discomfort. This set of factors influence the sexuality and sexual activity of the in-testinal ostomized people, compromising their quality of life (QoL).…”

Repercussions in the Living Process of People With Stomas

“…After surgery, living represents vicissitudes associated with physical, psychological and social dimensions, and requires continuous attention. 3,17 Challenges arise from the discovery of the diagnosis until adaptation to new living conditions after discharge and rehabilitation can be a difficult process. 7 The category also showed that becoming a person with a stoma brought the need to develop skills to maintain both the stoma and the pouch system.…”

“…2 The ostomy surgery imposes a major body change, which can cause changes in the life, self-image and self-esteem of these people. 3 The person undergoing this type of surgery needs to wear a pouch system on the abdomen to collect stool or urine, thereby becoming dependent on it. This requirement associated with the fear of odor escaping, leaks and noises, in addition to possible restrictions to some life habits, result in concerns and can turn one's life into a painful process.…”