Quality of Life of Ostomy Patients Attending BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Chitwan

Abstract

Background: The global scenario shows an increase trend of ostomy surgery. And, quality of life of ostomy patients has become a common concern. Understandings of factors that can have an impact on QoL should be assessed which will provide a guideline for improving QoL of ostomy patients. Aim: The aim of the study are to assess quality of life of ostomy patients and to find out the association between quality of life with selected demographic variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess quality of life of ostomy patient. Ninety-four patients were selected by purposive sampling technique. COH-QOL-Ostomy questionnaire tool was used for data collection. Data were collected from descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The P value was estimated at 95% confidence interval with 5% permissible error. Results: The study demonstrated that mean age of respondents was 51.10 ± 16.14 years. Permanent colostomy was common. The mean score for overall QoL was 6.50 ± 1.69. The physical domain (7.14 ± 2.32) had the highest score and spiritual (5.87 ± 1.56) had lowest. The major problems related to ostomy bag were leakage (68.90%), followed by itching around the stoma (52.70%), redness (32.40%), burning sensation (16.2%) and rashes (16.2%) respectively. Age, education, residence, occupation, duration of ostomy, reason and kind of ostomy, isolation of self from social gatherings and change in clothing style had significant effects on quality of life ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings revealed that presence of ostomy influences QoL of ostomy patients. Hence, adequate stoma care services, health education and counseling are important for having a positive impact on patients living with ostomy.