Oncology ostomized patients’ perception regarding sexual relationship as an important dimension in quality of life

Abstract

Introduction For ostomized oncological patients, the physical body alterations affects the quality of life, as the changes in the self-concept are factors that directly affect the sexual life. Objective To analyze the perceptions of ostomized men due to intestinal cancer regarding sexual relations as an important dimension of quality of life, treated at the Ambulatory Care Program for Ostomized Patients of the Health Secretariat of the Federal District, Brazil. Methods Epidemiological-based study, of the analytical type, with a cross-sectional descriptive design, with quantitative and qualitative approach considering the content analysis. The convenience sample included 56 participants. Sociodemographic, clinical, and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were used, as well as an individual interview. Data were analyzed by Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and SPSS 20.0 software. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results The Physical, Social Relations and Environment Domains are correlated with the mean score, statistical significance (p < 0.0001), and the content analysis resulted in five categories: Ostomy, Self-Care, Acceptance, Self-concept, and Companionship. Conclusion Sexuality should be considered as a process of daily living of ostomized individuals due to intestinal cancer.

City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire Validity and Reliability Assessment on a Croatian Sample

“…Furthermore, it is associated with inability to control gases and sounds, constipation, tiredness and travel difficulties, change in style of clothing, and dissatisfaction with appearance [8,9]. Problems experienced by persons with ostomy also depend on the period of time after the surgery, so common stressors reported by patients during hospitalization included stoma formation, diagnosis of cancer, and preparation for self-care [10].…”

“…Problems experienced by persons with ostomy also depend on the period of time after the surgery, so common stressors reported by patients during hospitalization included stoma formation, diagnosis of cancer, and preparation for self-care [10]. After discharge, the stressors experienced by patients were associated with body changes, altered sexuality, and impact on social life and activities [9,10].…”

Repercussions of intestinal ostomy on male sexuality: an integrative review

“…Oncology ostomized patients' perception regarding sexual relationship as an important dimension in quality of life (16) 2017 Brazil…”

“…Such an attitude can be a reaction to representations and standards of the aesthetic (healthy) body, socially established (18)(19)(20)(21) . The altered body image influences the appearance of diverse reactions, such as the feeling of loss of the ideal body, forcing the individual to adaptations and stress-generating demands (16,38) .…”

Self-care of people with intestinal ostomy: beyond the procedural towards rehabilitation

“…The rehabilitation of the person with intestinal ostomy has been linked more towards the physical aspect, however there is a need to plan assistance by integrating physical care with the psychological, cultural, labor, social, and sexual aspects (1)(2)(3)(9)(10)(11) .…”