Quality Of Life Regarding People With An Ostomy: Integrative Review About Related Factors

Abstract

Objective:Analyze the studies which present aspects related to the quality of life of patients with an ostomy. Method:It is about an integrative review in databases of the literature held in the Latin American Literature and Caribbean health sciences, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Nursing Database, PubMed Central, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and SciVerse Scopus. Controlled keywords of the Medical Subject Headings (MESH) were used: "Ostomy" and "Quality of life". The additional factors were: scientific articles that measure the QOL of people with an ostomy and/or scientific articles that show at least one aspect which affects the QOL of those people. After the analysis, the final sample was composed of 41 articles that passed through statistical analysis to identify the factors that best associated and correlated to the life quality of patients with an ostomy. Results:International studies with the level of evidence VI were predominant. 40 factors associated with the QOL of people with an ostomy were observed and subdivided into the domains: sociodemographic, clinical, physical, psychological and social. Conclusion:The main factors related to the quality of life of patients with an ostomy were: age, income, gender, change in physical and in sexual function (p<0.001). However, as it is about a review study, it needs the validation of the factors that most stand out in this theme.

“Living with a Stoma”: Exploring the Lived Experience of Patients with Permanent Colostomy

“…Colostomy creation was perceived as an opportunity to continue life and strengthen companionship [11]. Relevant research highlighted that the existence of colostomy is associated with the formation of a new way of life, due to noticeable changes in patients' daily activities [6].…”

“…In the literature, the recovery of patients with colostomy is cited as a painful process that demands significant psychological effort and support until the patient adapts to their new daily life. Typically, colostomy is acknowledged as akin to a wound in a war that leaves indelible memories of the pain and the surgery [6]. In addition, factors and measures capable of mitigating the extent of the traumatic effect of the colostomy are reported.…”

“…The adjustments that occur in a person's life with colostomy significantly affect his interpersonal and intimate relationships. The adoption of a new life model adapted to the colostomy management has an emotional impact on the patient himself and the people in his close environment, such as his family and sexual partner [6]. Married individuals experience major sexual life changes, especially right after surgery or at the early stages of the disease.…”

“…These changes however are gradually resolved as soon as patients learn to effectively handle the new situation [3]. Furthermore, women appear to have a lower QOL compared to men and this relates to body image changes, fears of rejection and an inability to carry out household tasks [6]. The lives of stoma patients also seem to be affected by aging, as elderly people experience more constraints in physical functions, while young people are more concerned with emotional issues and future economic perspectives.…”

“…The lives of stoma patients also seem to be affected by aging, as elderly people experience more constraints in physical functions, while young people are more concerned with emotional issues and future economic perspectives. Family income may also have an impact on the lives of patients due to the high cost of the materials needed for ostomy care [6]. The professional lives of colostomy patients are severely affected, as having a colostomy may provoke a partial or complete loss of work [7].…”