Association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the self-image and self-esteem of individuals with intestinal stoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors and correlate them to the self-image and self-esteem. Methods A study conducted at Ostomy Pole of PousoAlegre. The data were collected between December 2012 and May 2013. This was a non-probabilistic, by convenience, sample. For data collection, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale/UNIFESP-EPM and Body Investment Scale were used. For statistical analysis, chi-squared test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman correlation were used. Levels of significance of 5% (p ≤ 0.05) were considered. Results Participants had a mean score of 10.81 in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale/UNIFESP. Regarding Body Investment Scale results, the mean total score was 38.79; the mean in the domain of body image was 7.74, and for personal touch, 21.31. When comparing data related to the stoma and sociodemographic profiles with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale/UNIFESP and Body Investment Scale, we realize that all patients demonstrated a decrease in self-esteem and self-image. Individuals were over 60 years old, male, retired, married and were not participants in support group/association. With regard to the characteristics of the stoma, those permanent colostomized had as causes of stoma implementation inflammatory disease and neoplasia; stomata measured between 20 and 40 mm; these people used two-piece devices. People who have not been notified that would be subjected to the stoma and in whom no demarcation was done showed worsening in self-esteem and self-image in relation to other features related to injury and sociodemographic data. Conclusion Patients who participated in this study had low self-image and self-esteem in all characteristics of the stoma and in sociodemographic data, meaning that these individuals had negative feelings about their own bodies.