Coping Processes of Patients with Ostomies in South Korea: A Focus Group Study

The Quality of Life of Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma and Stoma

Surgical treatment and formation of a stoma can be lifesaving for colorectal cancer patients. However, the quality of life is often impaired in patients with stoma. The goal of this study is to determine the quality of life of patients with stoma and cancer, and the relationship between the quality of life and characteristics of these patients.

The study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 and included a total of 64 patients of both sexes with colorectal cancer and temporary or permanent stoma. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer with Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQC29-30) and the anonymous WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36 were used for self-assessment of quality of life.

Our study included 39 (61.0%) men and 25 (39.0%) women. 24 patients (37.5%) had colostomy, 14 patients (21.9%) had ileostomy, and 26 patients (40.6%) underwent surgery for resection of colorectal cancer without stoma. A significant number of women were in the group of patients with a permanent stoma (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the assessment of general health (p = 0.680) and quality of life (p = 0.721) during the past month in relation to gender. Patients without a stoma rated their general health better compared to those with stoma and the difference reached statistical significance (p = 0.035). There was no statistically significant difference in the assessment of quality of life between the group of patients with stoma and without stoma, as well as between the patients of different age groups.

Patients with stoma rated their general health as worse, but not their quality of life.

Life with a stoma-coping with daily life: Experiences from focus group interviews

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To describe patients' experiences of coping with daily life practically and emotionally during the first years after stoma surgery.

BACKGROUND

For people with a stoma, a new life awaits with altered bowel function and body image. This means a profound change in a person's life.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design using focus group interviews to gain an understanding of patients' experiences of coping with daily life. This study followed the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research.

METHOD

Six focus groups including 21 patients with a stoma experience of 1-3 years. Mean age was 65 (23-79) and comprised 9 men and 12 women. Thirteen participants had a colostomy, 8 had an ileostomy. The interviews were analysed with a qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Patients lived with uncertainty due to lost control over bowel function and did not feel comfortable with the new body. They had adjusted to the new life with a positive impact, by changing their attitude, enabling a social- and working life and tried to take control over the situation. Patients with a temporary stoma put life on hold.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a stoma lived with uncertainty, not trusting their body like before. They strived to regain control of their lives according to their own resources and conditions and with support from healthcare professionals. Interacting with others in similar situations and exchanging experiences, in demanding areas such as body image, sexuality and social activities could support patients in coping with their new life with a stoma.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings can help stoma care nurses and healthcare professionals plan themed lectures and group discussions for patients regarding coping with areas that are especially demanding. A themed evening would give patients the chance to share and exchange experiences and receive affirmation from others in the same situation.