Maternal experience of caring for a child with colostomy

Colostomies in children are frequently performed to relieve colonic obstructions resulting from congenital anomalies. Caring for a child with colostomy in infancy and childhood requires skilled care. The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe phenomena of colostomy care during inpatient-outpatient of mothers for future improvement of services delivery to families, infants, and children with colostomies. Participants comprised of 20 Thai middle income mothers, age 25-35 of children with colostomy at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health located in Bangkok, Thailand. Thematic analysis revealed the initial reactions of mothers with state of shock, feelings of helpless, fearful, and anxious about their child conditions. But uncertainty, strain, and uncomfortable practice in caring for a child after surgery can improve with the right social, financial, and psychological supports. The nurses, physicians, family, and neighbors were significant resources of knowledge, supports, and encouragement to mothers on colostomy care.  Most mothers worried about their child’s conditions and adjustment to live with a colostomy.  Maternal intimately involved in the child care significantly promote growth, development, and quality of life of the child with colostomy.