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For those who have undergone a life-altering surgery such as an ostomy, the effects can be overwhelming, encroaching on not only physical well being, but also psychological well being and social interactivity. The ability to adapt to life with a stoma can greatly influence an ostomate’s capacity for adjusting to and conquering these hindering effects.
Aims/Methods
The purpose of this study was to investigate various physiological, societal, and psychological factors which can influence an ostomate’s ability to adapt to their stoma. The analysis utilizes a subset (ostomates less than 48 months post-surgery – n=813) of the Ostomy Comprehensive Health and Life Assessment survey[1](N=4097).
Adaptation was measured via a three point question – “Have you adapted to living with a stoma?” 1. Not at all 2.Yes, somewhat 3.Yes, quite well.
Analysis was conducted via logistic regression and descriptive statistics.
Results
While a majority of the participants (58.5%) adapted quite well to their stoma, many (36.3%) reported they had adapted somewhat and few (5.2%) had not adapted at all. The odds of having difficulty adapting to a stoma were found to be higher for those who believed their stoma affected their life for the worse – 7.0 (95% CI: 2.9-16.9) times more likely to have difficulty adapting; those who always worried about the public perception of their stoma and pouch – 4.6 (95% CI: 2.7-8.2) times; and those with peristomal skin issues – 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2-3.1) times. Furthermore, the odds to have difficulty adapting were higher for ostomates less than 24 months post-surgery.
Conclusions
The results suggest that the ability of an ostomate to adapt to their stoma is a multidimensional construct. Healthcare professionals must be cognizant of this to be able to properly support an ostomate’s recovery and reintegration into society.
Disclosure
Research funding from Hollister Incorporated is gratefully acknowledged.