Predictors of Adjustment to Living with an Ostomy: Results of a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective To describe predictors of adjustment to living with an ostomy among Italian adults with an enterostomy or a colostomy. Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional design was performed, sampling 403 patients with an ostomy in three different outpatient clinics of northern Italy between April 2018 and December 2020. Data were collected by stoma therapists in ambulatory settings using the Italian version of the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 and patient medical records. Results Acceptance was lower among women, patients who underwent emergency surgery, those with a urostomy, and those with a body mass index of less than or equal to 25 kg/m2. Negative feelings were associated with higher body mass index, colostomies, shorter length of time of living with an ostomy, and emergency ostomy creation. Conclusions Being young and having a high level of education are protective against psychosocial problems and help promote acceptance and social engagement. The findings of this study help identify patients who are likely to be more vulnerable and need greater support through specific educational and motivational interventions.

Changes in the quality of life of adults with an ostomy during the first year after surgery as part of the Best Practice Spotlight Organisation® Programme

“…Our findings regarding non‐improvement in quality of life are similar to those of other studies, in which being younger and being female are risk factors for the deterioration or non‐improvement of perceived quality of life 37 . Women reported lower quality of life scores than men, which may be accounted for by the fact that physical and psychological concerns differ greatly between women and men.…”

“…22 Our findings regarding non-improvement in quality of life are similar to those of other studies, in which being younger and being female are risk factors for the deterioration or non-improvement of perceived quality of life. 37 Women reported lower quality of life scores than men, which may be accounted for by the fact that physical and psychological concerns differ greatly between women and men. The poorest scores were observed in the personal dimension: patients reported feeling more tired at the first follow-up, they were more worried about pouchrelated issues from day 45 after the ostomy, and they were more concerned about psychosocial aspects 1 year on.…”

Lived experiences of patients with ostomies in a University Teaching Hospital in Kwara State, Nigeria

“…Some studies identified that women are more concerned about their appearance, more diligent in stoma care but demonstrate higher levels of depression and fear than men living with ostomy ( Liao and Qin, 2014 ; Sasaki et al., 2012 ). On the contrary, another study noted that characteristics of ostomy such as leakage, smell and noise could increase negative emotions among men and cause impaired adjustment since cultural dynamics equates power and control to the male body ( Dellafiore et al., 2022 ; Gautam and Poudel, 2016 ).…”

Costs Related to Diverting Ileostomy After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Population-Based Healthcare Cost Analysis Based on Nationwide Registers

“…In a recent trial, higher level of education and young age were associated with fewer psychosocial problems among stoma patients. 22 This might partly be explained by a more active approach against the caregivers among these groups of patients. Other interesting aspects not covered in this paper are the attitudes of healthcare workers and the influence of expectations and perceptions among stoma nurses and other care providers.…”