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Knowledge about quality of life following ostomy surgery has increased considerably over the last decade, however, there is still much to learn about how the ostomy population compares to the general population. Few reference values have been provided for such comparisons. This study investigates responses to items associated with the physical components of life domains of the SF36v2, i.e., physical function, physical role, bodily pain, and general health, and compares them to the general population.
Aims/Methods
The purpose of this study was to investigate the SF36v2 physical component summary of US respondents with an ostomy (n=2,329), and compare it with normative values of the general population.
In addition, correlations between physical component domain scores and peristomal skin complications were explored.
The data was derived from the Pouch Impact Assessment Survey and the SF36v2, and consists of records for adults with a stoma who reside in the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Results
The analysis finds that as physical component summary scores decrease there is a corresponding increase in the proportion of individuals reporting limitations in vigorous activities, moderate activities, lifting or carrying groceries, and climbing stairs. Comparisons are made with the general population of the US. Additionally, the study finds that the physical component summary scores decrease as peristomal skin complications increase.
Conclusions
Knowledge of the physical component limitations of living with a stoma is vital to the understanding of autobiographical disruption, or burden, imposed by the ostomy surgery. While the use of standardized generic assessment instruments such as the SF36v2 can have limitations, its value exists in the ability to comparatively reference the health state of the person with a stoma with that of the general population. In this, clinical measures such as severity of trauma can be meaningfully studied in terms of comparative impact.