An Association between Peristomal Skin Condition and Life Satisfaction in New Ostomates

INTRODUCTION:  Factors associated with improved life satisfaction following ostomy surgery are of interest to WOC nurses.  This study identifies an association between peristomal skin condition and life satisfaction in new ostomates.
METHODOLOGY:  The retrospective study uses a subset (n = 805) of the data from the Ostomy Comprehensive Health and Life Assessment survey (N = 2989).  This ongoing survey has been distributed in North America and the United Kingdom by electronic and conventional mail, ostomy product retailers and ostomy support organizations.  In its current revision, the survey contains more than 120 questions soliciting both open- and closed-end responses.  The subset includes participants with a single stoma in their first 24 months following ostomy surgery.
RESULTS:  Using a binary measure of life satisfaction based on a six-item scale (Cronbach’s alpha = .8261), participants who reported normal peristomal skin condition had 2.5 times greater odds of being classified in the positive life satisfaction group than those who reported at least some irritation.  Additionally, those with temporary stomas had 38% lower odds of reporting normal peristomal skin condition and 47% lower odds of being classified in the positive life satisfaction group than those with permanent stomas.
DISCUSSION:  The data suggest that a significant positive association between peristomal skin condition and life satisfaction exists in the group considered.  This result implies that increased attention to peristomal skin issues may contribute to improved life satisfaction for new ostomates.  Additionally, the significant decrease in the odds of reporting normal peristomal skin or positive life satisfaction for those with temporary stomas could motivate a prospective study of the adaptive mechanism that enables the new ostomate to accept the stoma and its care as a part of life.