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Over the last decade knowledge of the quality of life of those that have undergone ostomy surgery has increased considerably. Both manufacturers of ostomy products and clinicians have undertaken in-depth investigations into this subject. However, the adult ostomy population is an older population and little research has been conducted on younger adult ostomates (50 years of age or less). This survey investigates social challenges in a younger ostomate population.
Aims/Methods
The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges to social acceptance in younger adult ostomates. A subset analysis of the Ostomy Comprehensive Health and Life Assessment survey[1] (N=4097) investigate quality of life issues in 728 adult ostomates less than 50 years of age.
Results
Approximately 1 of 4 younger ostomates experience social isolation. Those socially isolated are 5 times more likely to have a negative body image, and 12 times more likely to demonstrate low levels of emotional support (odds ratio estimates). Odds ratio estimates indicate that those experiencing both a lack of emotional support and social isolation or low social connectivity are more likely to express dissatisfaction with their spouse or life partner, with their family life, with their employment/vocational life, with their leisure time, with their financial status, and with overall lack of contentment, than their socially connected and emotionally supported counterparts. Decreases in life satisfaction domains can challenge the achievement of health goals.
Conclusions
For those that are socially isolated and lacking emotional support there are significant decreases in aspects of life satisfaction. Manufacturers of ostomy products and clinicians that provide health care have a responsibility to understand the needs of this population; to help them understand that the formation of a stoma is not a threat to well- being, and that community resources to achieve health goals are available.