Abstract
Objective: Identify experiences of the person with intestinal ostomy related to their social life. Methods: Descriptive study, qualitative in nature, carried out with ten people with intestinal ostomy. Data collection was performed at the Stomatherapy Service of a teaching hospital in the Federal District, through semi-structured interviews relating to family and social experience before and after the ostomy. Results: Six men and four women participated, with a mean age of 49 years, most with a permanent colostomy. From the analysis, two categories emerged: “What is it like to live with an ostomy and its challenges”; and “Strategies developed in the face of changes”. In the first category, the following stand out: self-care, lack of adequate bathroom, work activity, eating habits, disruption of body image and embarrassing situations. In the second category, they seek to support religiosity, maintain positive feelings and preserve emotional balance. Conclusion: The ostomy interferes with family and social life. It was evident that the person with ostomy develops strategies to face changes. It is believed that social isolation stems, in part, from the lack of information from society, the lack of quality material that offers comfort and safety, and, finally, the lack of adapted public and private bathrooms.
Highlights
Intestinal ostomy is a surgical intervention that consists of an abdominal opening, allowing the exteriorization of an intestinal segment for the exit of feces[1].Epidemiological data indicate scarcity of statistics, official data are few
Ten people with intestinal ostomy attended at the Stomatherapy Service of a teaching hospital in the Federal District were interviewed, 6 men and 4 women
The first category, “What is it like to live with an ostomy and its challenges”, groups the participants’ statements about the experience of self-care, work activity and eating habits
Summary
Intestinal ostomy is a surgical intervention that consists of an abdominal opening, allowing the exteriorization of an intestinal segment for the exit of feces[1].Epidemiological data indicate scarcity of statistics, official data are few. The creation of an ostomy entails significant changes in the experience of people with an ostomy and requires adjustment to their new routine They often manifest insecurity in social life, in returning to work activities, in adjusting their eating habits and in self-care, which involves hygiene and the use of collecting equipment. The ostomy consists of the surgical construction of a new path for the exit of feces and is named according to its anatomical location. It is called colostomy when the opening is made in the colon and ileostomy when it is in the ileum[4]
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