Quality of Life among patients with intestinal stoma at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC18.79

Authors: Mrs. N.K.Nishshanka, Dr. Thamara D. Amarasekara

Abstract:

Introduction: High prevalence of colorectal cancers are increasing globally. Therefore burden of the patients having ostomies has become a global issue. Quality of Life (QOL) is the general wellbeing of individual and societies outlining negative and positive features of life. Studies have been shown that the QOL with stoma is lower compared to normal population. However, there is a limited data available on QOL among patients with intestinal stomas in Sri Lanka. Objectives: To determine QOL among patients with intestinal stoma, at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on a purposively selected (n=123) patients with intestinal stoma attending ostomy care clinic and wards at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka. A pre tested, an interviewer administered questionnaire adopted from city of Hope QOL questionnaire for ostomy patients was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The mean age was 56.12 ± 14.042(SD) and 55.73 ± 9.134(SD) years respectively for males and females. Colostomies were applied to 92.7% while 7.3% had ileostomy. Cancer was the main reason for stoma in 87.8% patients and vaginal fistula, trauma and bowel obstruction were other common indications for surgery. QOL assessed in four domains (Physical, Psychological, Social, Spiritual well-being) and mean overall QOL in stoma patients is 6.1849±1.25 (SD). Physical and Psychological wellbeing in turn 65.2% and 69.4% indicated poor and moderate outcomes while social wellbeing obtained 52.1% for poor and moderate outcomes. Spiritual wellbeing acquired 1.7% for poor and rest 98.3% had good outcomes for spiritual domain. Severe and moderate impact on overall QOL were thamara@sjp.ac.lk seen in 74.2% while 25.8% had mild impact on QOL. Conclusion: Patients who have ostomy for longer period with better stoma care ability shows good QOL, stoma itself may affect QOL in majority suggesting the need of tailored interventions to improve their QOL.

Keywords: Stoma, QOL, Cancer, Sri Lanka