Emotions of Gynecologic Cancer Patients Dealing with Permanent Colostomy: A Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to describe emotional state of colostomized patients with gynecologic cancer. Patients and Methods: The study employed a qualitative design from May to October of 2010, in a private university hospitals outpatient gnecologic oncology clinic in Ankara, Turkey. Content analysis with an inductive approach had been used to analyze 32 interviews that served as the data base for this study. Interview form that focused on what gynecologic cancer women felt to living with a colostomy. Results: Findings also reveal that gynecologic cancer patients with colostomy experience many uneasy feelings that affect their emotional state. The content analysis resulted in the development of two thematic units. The first we described as "To experience the consequences of stoma as a gynecologic cancer patients". The second was "suffering experienced-being challenged the consequences of the stoma", and the third was "promote self management-normalization of the new condition". For the psychological support, family and friends' support has been mentioned as the most important part that can release their anxiety. Conclusions: We concluded that a having stoma was difficult for the women. The emotional state of the women when they get colostomy was typically characterized by fear, and worry about their current process. Body image, self-esteem, social activity, sexuality were the aspects that most affected the patients. Nurses have very important role within holistic approach and empathetic interaction, for determining major problem areas.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction and Affecting Factors in Turkish Women with Gynecological Cancer

“…Heavily impounded by various societal, cultural and social factors and suppressed by predominant religious beliefs, sexuality continues to be a matter that is challenging to discuss openly and is currently treated as a taboo [22]. According to the SHST, sexuality is still a learning topic, information regarding sexuality is acquired from media, through the use of computers and the Internet and from friends, in this country [19].…”

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“…Many studies suggested to keep the nurses knowledge and skills up dated to help the colostomy patients (Ardigo & Amante, 2013;Bulkley et al, 2013;Dabirian, et al, 2011;Gül, et al, 2013;Sun et al, 2014). Nurses should be equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to help the colostomy patients.…”

“…A qualitative study conducted on 32 gynecologic cancer patients with colostomy in Turkey indicated that patients felt the high need for psychological support from nurses to minimize the fear, worry and anxiety and women going under colostomy were concerned about their body image, self-esteem, social activity and sexuality while in need for support from nurses (Gül, Ayhan, & Tevfik, 2013). Literature further states that colostomy patients go-through lot of stress and feeling undignified.…”

Effect of Structured In-service Education on Knowledge level among Nurses Working in Surgical Units in Private Tertiary Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan

“…A recent literature supports the importance of addressing nurses in-service educational needs related to colostomy care. A qualitative study conducted on 32 gynecologic cancer patients with colostomy in Turkey indicated that patients felt the high need for psychological support from nurses to minimize the fear, worry and anxiety and women going under colostomy were concerned about their body image, self-esteem, social activity and sexuality while in need for support from nurses (Gül, Ayhan, & Tevfik, 2013). Literature further states that colostomy patients go-through lot of stress and feeling undignified.…”