Profile Characterization of Intestinal Ostomates By Chronic Condition in Rehabilitation

Background: The ostomy resulting from chronic condition involves oncological and inflammatory diseases, trauma and congenital condition, in which rehabilitation can present different meanings and challenges, due to the sociocultural and clinical situation. The objective was to describe the socio-cultural and therapeutic profile of intestinal ostomates for over two years by chronic condition. Methodology: Quantitative descriptive study, with 15 patients of a university hospital in Ribeirão Preto (SP/Brazil)¹. Results: Predominated female patients (53.33%), married (40%), with a mean age of 56.2 years, 60% them had zero to five years of study, 67% with occupations without specialized training, 60% retired, income between U$254,83 and U$2067,20; 73.3% with colorectal cancer; 66.6% undergoing cancer chemotherapy; 40% underwent abdominoperineal resection of the rectum; 73.3% colostomy; 53.4% with permanent stomas, with a mean of 6.6 years as intestinal ostomates; 53.3% had cardiovascular problems; 60% smokers; 93.3% performed self-care; and 46.7% were instructed by the nursing team in relation to self-care in the postoperative period¹. The socio-cultural and clinical condition indicate limited access to information; that the chronic disease and the stoma brought greater financial difficulties; dependence on the public health system; besides the stigma of having an ostomy which influences their ability to perform their social roles and the importance of self-care learning with the specialized nursing staff^1,3. Conclusion: Understanding the socio-cultural, clinical and therapeutic aspects of this clientele expands the comprehension of the context experienced by them, the possible difficulties and challenges in the resumption of their daily activities and performance of their social roles, therefore professionals who provide expert assistance may use appropriate health educational strategies, that inspire the learning of self-care and the achievement of post-operative rehabilitation^2,3. Descriptors: Intestinal Ostomates, Rehabilitation. Profile. Perioperative Nursing