Quality of life of ostomates in Germany

Abstract

The presence of an ostomy may have a serious impact on the quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of ostomates in Germany. An online survey was performed using the validated Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) by Eypasch et al. Ostomates ≥ 18 yrs. with an ostomy duration ≥ 3 months were eligible to participate. Completed questionnaires from 519 participants (79.3 % female) with a median age of 50 yrs. (range 19-83 yrs.) and a median ostomy duration of 3 yrs. (range 3 months-58 yrs.) were analyzed. The most common indications for an ostomy were Crohn's disease (36.5 %), colorectal cancer (19.8 %) and ulcerative colitis (18.2 %). The mean GIQLI-Score in the study population was 94.8 ± 24.6, with higher scores corresponding with better QoL and healthy individuals reach 125.8. Limitations were recorded with regard to sleep, tiredness, energy level, endurance, fitness and sexuality. Individuals with a stoma due to Colitis (103,0 ± 24,5), colorectal cancer (99,2 ± 21,7) and Crohn's (95,0 ± 22,8) had the highest mean GIQLI-scores amongst all ostomates. The findings of this study confirm that ostomates have a reduced QoL compared to the healthy population. Amongst all ostomates, those with colitis, colorectal cancer and Crohn's have a better QoL compared to ostomy carriers with other diagnoses.