Teaching of Self Care at HOME of the Intestinal Ostomates from a SMALL City of SÃo Paulo State, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil many diagnoses can to result in intestinal stomas. This study aimed to implement the teaching of self care at home of ten (10) intestinal ostomates that had difficulties with self-care about the stoma and changing the pouch, in Ourinhos city, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal study with sociodemographics and clinical data, with necessity of teaching of self-care at home in a population of 100.000 inhabitants, with statistical analysis (SPSS 16.0). RESULTS: Predominated female (70%); average of age 65 years; studied up to 8 years (90%); retired (60%); married (50%); catholics (70%). Diagnoses: rectum cancer (40%); colon cancer (20%); diverticulitis (30%) and chagasic megacolon (10%). Time of stoma up to 3 years (80%) with colostomy (90%) and temporary (70%). We identified difficulties in self-care with stomas, mainly because the patient do not believe in your capacity and stoma supplies inappropriate with problems in your daily activities. The learning possibilited the development of autonomy and independence. CONCLUSION: The teaching of self-care improves the self esteem and the chance to improve also the physical and psychosocial rehabilitation, therefore the strategies of  teaching must be to appropriate for profile of patients.